[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 164 (Wednesday, November 16, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1491]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    COMMEMORATING THE 145TH ANNIVERSARY OF BETHEL AFRICAN METHODIST 
                     EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN POTTSTOWN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RYAN A. COSTELLO

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 16, 2016

  Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay 
tribute to the oldest African-American Church in Pottstown as its 
congregation celebrates 145 years of worship, fellowship and 
stewardship in the community.
   Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church first opened its doors in 
April 1871 at North Franklin and Beech Streets.
   In addition to tending to the spiritual needs of its members, Bethel 
African Methodist Episcopal Church has always taken great pride in 
serving anyone in need throughout the greater Pottstown community. 
Specifically, the Church operated a thriving food pantry for many years 
that fed hundreds of families.
   A Saturday church school program geared toward local youth offers 
meals, field trip opportunities, and a chance to find an outlet for 
their musical talents by participating in a bell choir, which has 
performed countless times at other churches in the area.
   And a community leadership lecture series named in honor of the late 
Pottstown NAACP leader, Newstell Marable, aims to educate and empower 
by addressing an array of issues related to finding employment, 
building a secure financial future, and strengthening the community.
   Mr. Speaker, I would ask that my colleagues join me in 
congratulating Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Pottstown 
on this memorable milestone and in extending our sincere appreciation 
for the outstanding spirit of volunteerism and compassion demonstrated 
time and time again during the past 145 years by Church leaders and 
congregants.

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