[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 16, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1293]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CONGRATULATING THE NEW JERUSALEM GOSPEL BAPTIST CHURCH AND THE 
    INSPIRATIONAL VOICES OF NEW JERUSALEM ON THEIR 50TH ANNIVERSARY

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                         HON. DANIEL T. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 16, 2015

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I ask the United States House of 
Representatives to join me in recognizing The New Jerusalem Full Gospel 
Baptist Church and the Inspirational Voices of New Jerusalem on the 
occasion of their 50th anniversary.
  New Jerusalem is renowned in the City of Flint for its history of 
perseverance in the face of tragedy and its contributions to the Flint 
community throughout the last 50 years.
  On October 15, 1965, a council of men and women met at the home of 
Rev. L.W. Owens to organize a new Baptist Church in the city of Flint. 
Seven days later, they began their mission at 1033 E. York Street, 
where people from all walks, talents and gifts began to join the 
congregation.
  In December 1967, seeing the need for future expansion, the 
membership relocated to 1024 Holtslander Avenue with a membership of 
350. Throughout the following thirteen years, the church opened three 
additional buildings to welcome hundreds more members to service 
throughout the week.
  In July 1991, with membership flourishing over two thousand, New 
Jerusalem's edifice was destroyed by a fire. Over $650,000 in damages 
was done, but the congregation was not deterred. By the following 
Sunday, services were relocated to C.A.R.E. Inc. while the church was 
rebuilt.
  The membership decided to take this tragedy and create an opportunity 
to benefit their community. They constructed a new educational center/
fellowship hall and founded ``Operation Blessing'' to provide clothing 
and food for the needy on the site of the burned-out facility.
  For five decades as of October, New Jerusalem has worked tirelessly 
to help those in the community most in need. Residents in the area have 
come to rely on the church for their contributions to the Soup Kitchen, 
scholarship funds, and other service projects.
  Mr. Speaker, I applaud the tenacity of The New Jerusalem Full Gospel 
Baptist Church and the Inspirational Voices of New Jerusalem and thank 
them for the service they have provided to the City of Flint and 
surrounding communities.

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