[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 69 (Friday, April 27, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E560]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING ROCKLAND BAPTIST CHURCH IN HENDERSONVILLE FOR 150 YEARS OF 
                        SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DIANE BLACK

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 27, 2018

  Mrs. BLACK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the congregation of Rockland 
Baptist Church in the year of their 150th anniversary celebration. 
Since its founding, Rockland has been a beacon of light in the 
Hendersonville community and has been a sanctuary for countless lives, 
touching the hearts of all who enter.
   Pastor Leslie Stratton has faithfully served at Rockland Baptist 
Church since the fall of 1997, being preceded by Reverends Shipp, A.O. 
Kenry, Sam Bryant, Drew Bateman, Tom Mills, Frank Harrison, Albert G. 
Jones, O.C. McClain, Willie L. Scott, Floyd Prude, James K.L. 
Alexander, John A. Perry, and Lloyd S. Peoples. Under his leadership, 
Rockland faithfully executes Christ's command in Matthew to ``love your 
neighbor as yourself'' through their ministries and active community 
involvement.
   Rockland's mission statement is ``. . .to provide Christ centered 
ministries, where people can be redeemed to a personal relationship 
with Christ, reconciled to God and His People, restored to wholeness 
and well-being, and revived for a full life of involved service to 
others.'' God is alive and working throughout our nation, and it is 
through the ministry of churches like Rockland that His hand is 
tangibly felt in our neighborhoods. I join the entire Rockland family 
and pastoral staff in celebrating this wonderful occasion.
   Rockland Baptist Church continues to be a pillar of hope in our 
community, and on behalf of the 6th district of Tennessee, I ask that 
you join me in congratulating and honoring this congregation for their 
continued faithfulness to Hendersonville. They are a shining light for 
the Lord and we are thankful for their gift.

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