[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 125 (Tuesday, July 25, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1043]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATING THE CHURCH OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ON 98 SUCCESSFUL 
                            YEARS OF WORSHIP

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. TERRI A. SEWELL

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 25, 2017

  Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 
98th anniversary of the founding of The Church of Our Lord Jesus 
Christ, and welcome them to Birmingham, Alabama for their 98th 
International Holy Convocation. Since its founding in 1919, the church 
has strengthened communities across America, and diligently worked 
towards uniting all of God's Children.
   Beginning in 1914, the late Bishop Lawson was drawn to the ministry, 
and began to tenaciously spread the word of God. A few short years 
later in 1919, Bishop Lawson moved to New York City and founded the 
Refuge Church of Christ, which ultimately transformed into the Church 
of Our Lord Jesus Christ. The congregation grew rapidly and is still 
welcoming new members from across the world into its family with open 
hearts.
   Faith based communities were central in advancing civil rights and 
voting rights in our country 50 years ago, and continue the fight for 
social justice. I have the honor of representing Alabama's 7th 
Congressional District, which is also known as the Civil Rights 
District--including historic cities such as Birmingham, Montgomery, and 
my hometown of Selma. While in Congress, I continue to derive 
inspiration from the faith leaders and foot soldiers of the Civil 
Rights and Voting Rights Movements, many of whom are my constituents.
   Again, I want to extend my congratulations to The Church of Our Lord 
Jesus Christ for 98 years of faith based service, and I hope that 
during their visit to Birmingham, they are inspired by the great civil 
rights history of the Magic City.

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