[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 103 (Wednesday, June 20, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E879]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN RECOGNITION OF GREATER UNION MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH'S 150TH 
                              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 Greater Union 
Baptist Church in Camilla, Georgia as the church's membership and 
leadership celebrate a remarkable 150 years. The congregation will 
celebrate this very significant anniversary on Sunday, June 24, 2018 at 
Greater Union Baptist Church.
  Tracing its roots back to the Reconstruction era, the church was 
founded in 1868 as ``Union Baptist Church''. Beginning services were 
held under a ``Brush Harbor'' at the Old Newton Railroad in Camilla by 
a layman known as Brother Blind Jack. The first church building was 
built on a plot of land located at the intersection of Harney Street 
and Church Street. Throughout the years, this congregation would expand 
and later become known as Greater Union Baptist Church.
  Throughout the years, many ministers have been licensed or ordained 
from the church, and a number of pastors, deacons, and clerks have 
contributed to its legacy. Today, Greater Union Baptist Church is led 
by Reverend E. Matthew Faulk who has done an exceptional job of 
continuing the great work of his predecessors.
  This ardent community of believers has extended its circle to include 
more and more members as the years have gone by, though it has never 
lost its essential character. Today, that same faith and spirit shine 
on through Greater Union Baptist Church, which has undergone several 
improvements in the past year in order to maintain the beautiful 
structure of their church building and improve comfortability for their 
faithful members.
  The story of Greater Union Baptist Church, which recounts a group of 
believers coming together through the good and difficult times to 
praise and worship the Lord, is truly an inspiring one that shows the 
dedication and perseverance of a faithful congregation who put all 
their love and trust in God.
  Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute 
to Greater Union Baptist Church in Camilla, Georgia for its 
congregation's enduring commitment despite adversity, to each other and 
to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ for over 150 years. May their 
actions continue to inspire the community in courage, in dedication, 
and in faith.

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