[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 136 (Friday, September 9, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1238]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    COMMEMORATING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF MOUNT ZION BAPTIST CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. G.K. BUTTERFIELD

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 9, 2016

  Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the 
Congressional Black Caucus of the 114th Congress to commemorate the 
sesquicentennial anniversary of Mount Zion Baptist Church, located in 
Arlington, Virginia.
  Mr. Speaker, Mount Zion Baptist Church has been blessed to serve as 
the spiritual home and faith community for thousands of people over the 
last 150 years. Founded in 1866, a year after the U.S. Congress passed 
the 13th Amendment to abolish slavery; Mount Zion Baptist Church was 
organized under the leadership of Reverend Joseph Matthews.
  In 1914, Reverend James E. Green was elected pastor after many years 
of service. The Church relocated twice during Reverend Green's 
pastorate with property being purchased at 19th and Lowell Streets in 
1944. In 1956, Doctor Oswald G. Smith had the vision to establish a 
Deacon's Fund to assist the community in meeting emergency costs for 
medicine, shelter, and other necessities.
  Finally, in March 1992, Bishop Leonard N. Smith was installed as 
Mount Zion's ninth senior minister. Today, under Bishop Smith's 
leadership, the Church remains a place of worship and fellowship for 
its community and surrounding communities.
  With a mission focused on preserving the precepts of its rich 
heritage, Mount Zion continues to experience blessings in ways that 
were once thought to be unimaginable. Recent accomplishments of Mount 
Zion include significant growth in membership, rededication of a 
refurbished and modernized facility in 2012, purchase of 22 acres of 
land in Woodbridge, VA in order to further the mission, and wide 
community outreach that spans from radio to social media. I am 
confident that Mount Zion will continue to serve its congregants and 
community for generations to come.
  By the grace of God, Mount Zion Baptist Church has survived the test 
of time and is still going strong today. While the frame of Mount Zion 
has undergone many renovations, its faith remains the same--firmly 
rooted in Christ.
  Mr. Speaker, I celebrate the rich history and accomplishments of 
Mount Zion Baptist Church in Arlington, Virginia. I ask that my 
colleagues join me in congratulating Bishop Smith, the congregation, 
and the residents of Arlington on this truly momentous occasion.

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