[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 128 (Tuesday, September 8, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1226]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  BEULAH BAPTIST INSTITUTIONAL CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. KATHY CASTOR

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 8, 2015 

  Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
Beulah Baptist Institutional Church in Tampa, Florida in celebrating 
its 150th anniversary. Founded by freed slaves in 1865, the church 
holds a unique place in history. It has served many generations and the 
entire community with its mission of freedom of worship and dignity of 
the individual.
  Established at the conclusion of the Civil War, Beulah became Tampa's 
first African-American Baptist Church. Over its 150 years, the Church 
has grown to be a symbol of social justice. Beulah has remained 
committed in focusing on education and civil rights. This diligent 
commitment has surely ensured a brighter future for its congregates and 
the community as a whole.
  The lasting influence the church has had on Tampa is a testament to 
its congregants and, certainly, to its leaders. The late Reverend Dr. 
A. Leon Lowry, Sr. who served from 1956 to 1996, was a leader in the 
fight for civil rights in Tampa in the 1950s and 1960s as well as the 
State President of the NAACP. Reverend Lowry then went on to become the 
first African-American elected to office countywide--the Hillsborough 
County School Board. He was one of the Theology professors of Rev. Dr. 
Martin Luther King, Jr. The A. Leon Lowry, Sr. Elementary School in 
Tampa is named in his honor.
  The current pastor, Reverend Dr. W. James Favorite, has continued the 
church's pivotal role in community advancement. With a strong 
philosophy that serving the church is more than just ministering on 
Sunday, Reverend Favorite serves on many community initiatives 
including Pastors on Patrol, the African American Family Support 
Initiative, Childcare Facilities Advisory Board, and the Tampa Urban 
League board. As the Chairman of the Black Leadership Commission on 
AIDS of Tampa Bay, Reverend Favorite has spearheaded the effort 
nationally to reduce the stigma associated with HIV and AIDS by calling 
on clergy all across the bay area and America to put AIDS and HIV 
awareness at the heart of their sermons.
  With 150 years of service and stewardship, the church enters into its 
next 150 years with enthusiasm. The church is looking forward to its 
upcoming projects including Senior housing initiatives, job preparation 
and technology training, sponsorship of Jamaica Outreach ministry, 
Summer Instructional camp, and an after school e-Library facility.
  On behalf of the Tampa Bay community that has greatly benefitted from 
the church's continuing presence and guidance, I am honored to 
congratulate the Beulah Baptist Institutional Church on their 150th 
anniversary.

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