[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 102 (Friday, June 24, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E987]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    COMMENDING HERITAGE BAPTIST CHURCH ON THE OCCASION OF ITS 35TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT J. WITTMAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 24, 2016

  Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 35th 
anniversary of Heritage Baptist Church, led by Pastor Michael Edwards. 
During its 35 years of selfless service to the Kingdom of God and to 
the community, this church has proven itself to be a congregation full 
of energy, conviction, and action.
   Heritage Baptist Church was founded by Pastor Michael E. Edwards and 
held its first service on June 28, 1981 at Potomac Senior High School. 
One year later, in 1982, Heritage Baptist Church moved to a new 
location on Telegraph Road in Woodbridge. As the church continued to 
grow in faith and in members, Heritage built a new church on Spriggs 
Road in Woodbridge, Virginia where it has continued its growth and 
expansion.
   Sensing the role it could play in the community and in educating 
children, Heritage Baptist church opened Heritage Christian School. The 
School began as a K5 through 9th grade institution with 70 students 
and, through the Lord's blessing, has grown to over 390 children in K4 
through 12th grades. The School's mission is to equip young people, 
both academically and spiritually, to fight for the faith and to engage 
culture in the service of Jesus Christ.
   Heritage Baptist Church, with Heritage Christian School, has served 
the community by opening their doors to our office on April 30th, 2016. 
Heritage Baptist facilitated our Women Veterans Forum and staffed the 
event to help meet our administrative needs. Attended by 
representatives from the Veterans Affairs' Administration, the Virginia 
Department of Veteran Services, and many other Veteran service 
organizations, the event celebrated the role women have played in our 
nation's military and provided support resources to our local women 
Veterans. Heritage Baptist Church's support of this event shows their 
commitment to our nation's military, Veterans, and larger community.
   Mr. Speaker, it is with heartfelt gratitude that I congratulate 
Heritage Baptist Church on their 35th anniversary. I pray that the Lord 
will continue to bless and prosper this congregation for many years to 
come.

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