[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 16, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1295]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING MEMORIAL TABERNACLE CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 16, 2015

  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Memorial Tabernacle 
Church, located in Oakland, California upon its 90th Anniversary as a 
strong religious pillar in the East Bay community.
  Memorial Tabernacle Church was founded in 1925 by Bishop Judge & 
Sarah King, a married couple from Louisiana. They moved to California 
in search of a better life, free from prejudice. The church was 
established in a two-story house on Seventh Street in West Oakland. 
Despite the area's reputation, Bishop Judge and Sarah preached in all 
areas of the community, including street corners and in front of bars.
  To accommodate their growing numbers, the congregation moved to a 
larger building in West Oakland. But in 1960, the United States Postal 
Service purchased several blocks of land and property on Seventh Street 
to build the main Post Office before finally moving to their current 
home in North Oakland.
  Following the passing of Bishop Judge in 1945, his son, Bishop 
Ulysses S. King was named senior pastor. Bishop Ulysses was active in 
the community. He was a member of the Center for Urban Black Studies, 
an affiliate center of the Graduate Theological Union. He later 
received an honorary Doctor of Divinity. In 1972, Bishop Ulysses took 
the message of salvation to the cities of Lagos and Uyo, Nigeria. In 
1976, Bishop Ulysses helped establish an affiliate church in Uyo.
  Now under the leadership of Pastor Stephen King, Memorial Tabernacle 
Church has continued to thrive through its various ministries in the 
East Bay community. The church facilitates programs such as the 
Embracing Our Community, Health Ministry, and Community Garden 
Ministry. All of these programs are responsible for maintaining contact 
with the community and working to serve those in need.
  Memorial Tabernacle Church also hosts ministries for groups of all 
ages and areas of need. The Young People Ministry helps educate the 
young people about God's Word and how to better serve their community. 
The Music Ministry guides people in expressing praise, prayer, and 
gratitude to God via musical instruments, singing hymns, guest 
musicians and soloists.
  On behalf of the residents of California's 13th Congressional 
District, I extend my sincerest congratulations to Memorial Tabernacle 
Church on the special occasion of its 90th anniversary. I wish Memorial 
Tabernacle Church many more years of faithful and compassionate 
service.

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