[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 139 (Tuesday, August 21, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1166]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            CONGRATULATING THE FIRST CHINESE BAPTIST CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 21, 2018

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to extend my congratulations to 
the First Chinese Baptist Church located in Chinatown, one of 
Manhattan's historic neighborhoods, as it celebrates its 92nd year 
anniversary on August 12, 2018.
  It is with great pride that I congratulate this longtime church from 
my district on its 92nd anniversary. The First Chinese Baptist Church, 
established in 1926, evolved from the Morning Star Mission in a then 
strife-torn neighborhood and became part of the rich fabric and history 
of the Chinatown community. Over the past 92 years, the church served 
as a safe haven for the community's Chinese Americans and immigrants 
during the early half of the 20th century at the time of the Chinese 
Exclusion Act and turmoil in China. Founded by Dr. Mabel Lee, a 
Chinese-American pastor, community organizer, feminist and suffragist, 
the church created a community that has served thousands of Chinatown 
residents. Lee advocated for continuous education and taught English to 
congregants who passed down her teachings to those who arrived later. 
Additionally, during World War II, many men from the church served in 
the United States Armed Forces.
  Today, the First Chinese Baptist Church continues to hold weekly 
worship services open to all and offers English classes, sponsors 
basketball teams, manages youth summer mentorship programs, and assists 
those seeking citizenship. It works with community-based organizations 
to conduct special events and support immigration rights and social 
justice throughout the year. Its dedication to service for God and 
country, education, advocacy and respect for individuals has been the 
cornerstone of the First Chinese Baptist Church and has not diminished 
in its 92-year history.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the First Chinese 
Baptist Church and its leadership on this special 92nd year 
anniversary. The Church has long exemplified outstanding community and 
public service to the greater New York City community. I wish them 
continued success and many more years of service.

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