[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 94 (Thursday, June 7, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E789]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





               110TH ANNIVERSARY OF FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

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                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 7, 2018

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration 
that I take this time to congratulate First Baptist Church of Gary, 
Indiana, as the congregation joins together in celebration of the 
church's 110th anniversary. First Baptist's leaders and members will be 
commemorating this milestone with a communal ``Unity Circle'' around 
the church and celebration on Sunday, June 10, 2018. The theme for this 
beautiful event is ``Glorifying God for 110 years of Faithfulness.''
   In 1908, the African American community recognized the need for a 
Baptist church in Gary, Indiana. Three individuals, Raymond Rankins, 
Samuel Duncan, and Samuel Clay, called upon Dr. Elijah John Fisher, 
pastor of Olivet Baptist Church in Chicago, for support in making this 
dream a reality. Through their hard work and determination, First 
Baptist emerged in Gary, with the first services being held in the home 
of Mr. Rankins. Soon after, participation in the church began to 
increase, and the first house of worship was constructed at 1617 
Washington Street in Gary. After various reconstructions and 
relocations, First Baptist finally settled in its current location at 
626 West 21st Avenue in 1955, under the leadership of the Reverend Dr. 
Robert E. Penn, who served as pastor for more than twenty years. 
Reverend Penn's legacy continues to resonate as a shining example of 
selfless service and unwavering commitment to the community. Throughout 
the years, numerous senior pastors have made remarkable contributions 
to the First Baptist Church of Gary, as well as to the community of 
Northwest Indiana, and they are worthy of our deepest appreciation. 
Currently, the senior pastor of First Baptist is Pastor Timothy F. 
Brown. Pastor Brown has initiated new programs aimed at improving not 
only the church but the community as well, and his efforts are worthy 
of the highest praise.
   From its modest beginnings, First Baptist Church has emerged as a 
pillar of the Gary community. Although First Baptist, the oldest 
African American congregation in the City of Gary, has seen immense 
growth, not only in the size of its congregation but also in the depth 
of the services and programs available to its members, the clergy and 
congregation have remained dedicated to the fundamental ideal of 
serving God by serving each other.
   Mr. Speaker, at this time, I ask that you and my other distinguished 
colleagues join me in honoring and congratulating church members Mary 
Bacon, Herman Borders, Gwendolyn Buggs, Tillman Buggs, Columbus 
Chambers Jr., Mae Fossett, and Michael J. Houston, each of whom has 
reached their 50th year of membership with the church this year. I also 
ask that you join me in recognizing 2018 college and high school 
graduates 2nd Lt. Adam Franklin Collins, Sidney Puckett, Melody Walker, 
Victoria Bacon, Ashley Conerly, Destiny R. Harris, Caleb J. Hiller, 
Blake Dupre Reasoner, and Rashawn Seels, while congratulating Pastor 
Timothy F. Brown and all church leaders and members of First Baptist 
Church of Gary on the special occasion of its 110th anniversary. 
Throughout the years, the clergy and congregation of First Baptist 
Church have dedicated themselves to providing spirituality and guidance 
through their service to their community.

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