[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 103 (Wednesday, June 20, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E878]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN RECOGNITION OF SECOND BETHESDA MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH'S 115TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                  _____
                                 

                      HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 20, 2018

  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor and pleasure to 
extend my sincere congratulations to the congregation of Second 
Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia as the church's 
membership and leadership celebrate a remarkable 115 years. The 
congregation of Second Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church will 
celebrate this very significant anniversary with celebratory events 
from July 9 to July 15 at the church in Albany, Georgia.
  Second Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church was founded in 1903 as 
``New Church'' by Reverend Dan Mosley; Deacons Peter Scott, William 
Jackson, and Frank Murray; and several faithful others.
  Over the years, the church has been served by a number of spiritual 
leaders, each leaving their lasting mark on the church in some form or 
fashion. These leaders include Reverends Dan Mosley, Elbert Thomas, 
Dozier Scott, William Boyd, Charles Carr, and Jimmy Ewings, Sr.
  The strength of the congregation was tested on July 7, 1994, their 
91st anniversary, by the horrific flood that devastated Albany, 
Georgia. Many of the roads were closed and several members were unable 
to make it to the church, but by the grace of God, none of the church's 
members were harmed.
  In 2001, Pastor Rance Pettibone, Sr. accepted the pastoral invitation 
and continues to serve as pastor today. He has overseen many internal 
changes, including the development of the Mission and Vision statements 
and several new ministries, renovation of numerous areas in the church, 
installation of the church's sign, and dedication of the church's New 
Fellowship and Education Building. He and his family not only serve the 
church's 150 members, but also work hard to serve the surrounding 
community through their active and expansive ministries.
  The story of Second Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church, which began 
115 years ago as a small group of people walking in the words of 
Philippians 4:13 ``I can do all things through Christ who strengthens 
me.'', is truly an inspiring one of the dedication and perseverance of 
a faithful congregation of people who put all their love and trust in 
the Lord.
  Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute 
to the membership of Second Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church in 
Albany, Georgia for their long history of coming together through the 
good and difficult times to praise and worship our Lord and Savior 
Jesus Christ and for serving the community through Him.

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