[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 114 (Thursday, July 14, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1134]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN HONOR OF THE SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH OF ELGIN'S 150TH ANNIVERSARY

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                          HON. TAMMY DUCKWORTH

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 14, 2016

  Ms. DUCKWORTH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Second 
Baptist Church of Elgin on its 150th anniversary.
   Since it was formally organized in 1866 by a group of men, women and 
children who had escaped slavery and established Elgin's African-
American community, the Second Baptist Church has served the Greater 
Elgin Community through ministry and outreach.
   In its 150 years, the church has grown in both size and membership 
and remains an important part of our Eighth District Community.
   From its humble beginnings, the Second Baptist Church of Elgin has 
expanded to include a soup kitchen, young adult ministry, prison 
ministry, bus ministry, couples ministry and street ministry.
   The church has partnered with local schools to help at-risk 
students, donated funds to the Boys and Girls Club of Elgin and in 2003 
hosted a young State Senator by the name of Barack Obama as he 
introduced himself to our community.
   I've met with their members when their League of Military Veterans 
came to visit Washington, DC, and I'm so proud of the connections they 
have forged that help keep our community connected and strong.
   I am proud to honor the Second Baptist Church of Elgin as they 
celebrate their 150th anniversary and I look forward to their continued 
contributions to our community.

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