[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 156 (Thursday, September 20, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1267]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH JEFFERSON PARK

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                     HON. ROBERT C. ``BOBBY'' SCOTT

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 20, 2018

  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 100th 
anniversary of First Baptist Church Jefferson Park in Newport News, 
Virginia.
  First Baptist Church Jefferson Park was established in the fall of 
1918, following a long period of uncertainty and displacement for its 
future congregation. When the United States government purchased 
Mulberry Island in response to the outbreak of World War I, those 
already living on the island were forced to uproot their lives and 
relocate. This also meant that the thriving church community which had 
already made a home on the island had to be broken up; when Colossian 
Baptist Church's property was repurposed by the government and its 
congregation moved to their new location in Newport News, not everyone 
could go with it. Many former members were forced to live far apart 
following their relocation, branching off and eventually setting down 
roots in areas all across the city. Jefferson Park became such an area, 
and although the area was significantly underdeveloped with no public 
schools, mail delivery, or church, a small group of pioneers from 
Mulberry Island came to call it home.
  Deacon William & Mrs. Lucy Wooten, also originally from Mulberry 
Island, heard the group's call for a church in their new location at 
Jefferson Park. With the help of other community members, Deacon 
William built their first place of worship, including the pews, pulpit, 
and communion table. At the time there was not sufficient money or 
space for a proper setup for an organ, piano, or formal choir, and the 
church was lit with kerosene lamps rather than electricity. Despite the 
limited space, enthusiasm and membership for the church grew under the 
leadership of Reverend Zechariah White, who served as a spiritual 
pillar for the congregation in the church's early days despite never 
serving as pastor. In 1925 Reverend J.O. Atkinson was able to oversee 
the construction of a larger church building to accommodate the 
congregation's needs.
  Reverend Atkinson became First Baptist Church Jefferson Park's first 
official pastor in 1920, following the death of Reverend M. Massenburg, 
who was called to pastor the congregation but unfortunately passed 
before his installation. Following Reverend Atkinson's departure from 
the church in 1927, he was succeeded by Reverend T.H. Ashe in 1929, 
Reverend F.A. Rylander in 1937, Reverend Mack Samuel in 1940, and Rev. 
O.D. Henry in 1952.
  The First Baptist Church Jefferson Park congregation expanded in 
1967, following Reverend Dr. Bernard Schiele's purchase of nearby 
property and subsequent construction of a new church.
  Reverend Dr. Reginald C. Woodhouse was installed as First Baptist 
Church Jefferson Park's next pastor in 1999, and the church has only 
continued to grow and expand since then. The church's community is 
incredibly active, participating in a variety of ministries and 
programs established by Rev. Dr. Woodhouse, including Youth Choir, 
Junior Gleaners, Little Angels Choir, Junior Deacons, Junior Trustees, 
Junior Clerks, and Youth Bible Study.
  First Baptist Church Jefferson Park's congregation takes the call to 
community engagement seriously, which is evident in their annual 
Education Day Celebration, Church-School partnership with Newsome Park 
Elementary School, and Tutorial Program.
  Over the last 100 years, The First Baptist Church Jefferson Park has 
been served by many dedicated men of faith--Rev. Zechariah White, Rev. 
M. Massenburg, Rev. J.O. Atkinson, Rev. T.H. Ashe, Rev. F.A. Rylander, 
Rev. Mack Samuel, Rev. O.D. Henry, Rev. Dr. W. Bernard Schiele, and 
Rev. Dr. Reginald C. Woodhouse.
  Mr. Speaker, as First Baptist Church Jefferson Park of Newport News, 
Virginia celebrates this historic milestone, its congregation can take 
pride in an inspiring 100 years of fellowship, worship, and service. I 
would like to congratulate Reverend Dr. Reginald C. Woodhouse and all 
of the members of the church's congregation on this joyous occasion, 
and I wish them many more years full of growth and prosperity.

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