[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 133 (Tuesday, September 6, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1179-E1180]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING BERKELEY MT. ZION MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 6, 2016

  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Berkeley Mt. Zion 
Missionary Baptist Church, located in Berkeley, California upon its 
70th Anniversary as a strong religious pillar in the East Bay 
community.
  Berkeley Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church was founded in 1946 by 
Reverend Neal Lee Peterson, Deacon Fred Williams, Brother Harrison 
Williams, and Sisters Mattie Mae Peterson, Lula Williams, Ethel Mae 
Posey, Nora Sargent, Morrell Posey, Maxine Lyons, and Thelma A.J. 
Upchurch, who met at the home of Sister Maxine Lyons to fulfill the 
vision of Reverend Peterson.
  During its early years, Berkeley Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church 
met in the homes of various members, and held services at the 
Codornices Village Recreation Center.
  In 1949, Berkeley Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church was able to 
purchase its property on Camelia Street and establish its first 
permanent position. Services were held there for 12 years. As time 
passed, the church outgrew the small space, and in January 1961, the 
church moved into its newly-completed home on Eighth Street.
  In 1966, Reverend Doctor M.T. Thompson answered the Lord's call to 
Berkeley Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, where he led the

[[Page E1180]]

congregation for nearly 40 years. Under his leadership, the ministries 
of Berkeley Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church expanded and grew.
  One of the most notable newly-established ministries of Berkeley Mt. 
Zion Missionary Baptist Church was established in March 1993, under the 
direction of Pastor Thompson. The Helping Hands of Zion Outreach 
Ministries seeks to reclaim and redirect the lives of families and 
individuals who have fallen through the cracks in our society by 
providing them with food, clothing, education, and employment 
assistance.
  Pastor Thompson retired from Berkeley Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist 
Church in November 2005, after nearly 40 years of faithful service. In 
November 2006, Reverend Brian D. Hunter was elected Senior Pastor of 
Berkeley Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, and he currently serves as 
pastor.
  Throughout the years, Berkeley Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church has 
been steadfast and faithful in her efforts to fulfill the mission of 
the church: evangelism, discipleship, and mission.
  On behalf of the residents of California's 13th Congressional 
District, I extend my sincerest congratulations to Berkeley Mt. Zion 
Missionary Baptist Church on the special occasion of its 70th 
anniversary. I wish Berkeley Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church many 
more years of faithful and compassionate service.

                          ____________________