[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 179 (Thursday, December 10, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1762]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF MOUNT OLIVE BAPTIST CHURCH

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                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 10, 2015

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th 
Anniversary of Mount Olive Baptist Church in Woodbridge, Virginia.
   On July 3, 1902, the late William Chin donated a parcel of land for 
what would later become the site of Mount Olive Baptist Church. 
Initially, the site was used for the Agnewville Mission Sunday School. 
Under the leadership of Sister Florence Chin and Reverend Bras Clark, 
with the support of Neabsco and Ebenezer Baptist Churches, members of 
the community established a Sunday school class for the residents of 
Agnewville. It was not until years later when the members of the 
Agnewville Mission Sunday School founded Mount Olive Baptist Church. 
The cornerstone for the church was laid on October 15, 1915. Together, 
Brother George W. Ray, Brother William Chin, Brother George Thomas, and 
other men from the congregation built the original church edifice on 
Telegraph Road.
   Since the founding of Mount Olive Baptist Church, six pastors have 
graced the pulpit leading the congregation in worship, praise, and 
discipleship. It is my honor to enter into the Congressional Record the 
following names of each of the governing pastors of Mount Olive Baptist 
Church since the church's founding in 1915:
   Reverend William Davis, Reverend William Tyler, Reverend George W. 
Pratt, Reverend Edward W. Burrell, Reverend Frederick L. Ray. Most 
recently, Reverend Clyde W. Ellis, Jr. was called to the pulpit on 
March 3, 2011, to lead the congregation.
   Reverend Ellis, the spiritual son of Reverend Ray, became the sixth 
pastor of Mount Olive Baptist Church. Under Reverend Ellis' leadership, 
Mount Olive has both literally and figuratively flourished beyond the 
walls of the sanctuary on Telegraph Road. With more than 400 members, 
Mount Olive's weekly worship is temporarily being held at Freedom High 
School on Neabsco Mills Road until the construction of the new edifice 
is complete.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating the 
100th Anniversary of Mount Olive Baptist Church. Pastor Ellis has 
nurtured a thriving congregation that will no doubt continue to grow 
and fulfill Mount Olive's mission of worship and praise. I would like 
to wish Pastor Ellis and his congregation the very best as they 
celebrate their heritage and plan for a successful future.

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