[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 75 (Tuesday, May 2, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E586]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             RECOGNITION OF FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH CENTRALIA

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. A. DONALD McEACHIN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 2, 2017

  Mr. McEACHIN. Mr. Speaker, this year marks the 150th Anniversary of 
First Baptist Church Centralia, founded in 1867 in Chesterfield County, 
Virginia Originally Salem African Baptist Church, the African American 
congregation held its first 30 years of services under an arbor made of 
brush on a modest one-acre plot. The first building was officially 
erected in 1897 under the leadership of the Reverend T. H. Johnson, 
incorporating Gothic Revival and Colonial Revival style elements.
  Later this building was remodeled by Reverend William Thomas into the 
historic building we know today as Centralia, featuring its signature 
twin towers. Under the leadership of Reverend Samuel Carter and Dr. 
Wilson E. Brown Shannon the church grew as a congregation and as a 
spiritual beacon for its members. Dr. Shannon extended the reach of the 
church by expanding the Samuel Moss Carter Family Life Center to 
accommodate up to 150 preschool children, banquet amenities to 
accommodate 750 occupants, and other family life ministry facilities 
including an indoor Olympic sized swimming pool.
  Shortly after the groundbreaking of this highly anticipated Family 
Life Center, the Historic First Baptist Church Centralia was destroyed 
by fire on April 16, 1996. Rebuilt to original specifications in 1997 
following the arson attack, a rededication ceremony was held in 
celebration. On November 22, 2014, the Historic First Baptist Church 
Centralia was designated a Chesterfield County Historic Landmark. A 
Virginia Historical Highway Marker was also erected in recognition of 
its historical and architectural significance in November 2015.
  As First Baptist Church Centralia celebrates its 150th year 
anniversary, may your efforts and continued courage to spread the 
gospel of God through oratory teachings, community involvement and 
leadership be commended.

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