[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 159 (Wednesday, September 26, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1308-E1309]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF NEW GRAFTON BAPTIST CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. ROBERT C. ``BOBBY'' SCOTT

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 26, 2018

  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 100th 
anniversary of New Grafton Baptist Church in Newport News, Virginia.
  New Grafton Baptist Church was established on November 10, 1915. It 
began as The Grafton Mission, named in honor of the Grafton Baptist 
Church in Grafton, Virginia. Reverend Silas Crowley, originally a 
member of Grafton Baptist Church, led his fledgling congregation in 
meetings at 1111 35th Street, Newport News, Virginia before they moved 
their services to Reverend Corsey's home in 1916. After years of 
fundraising and growing in membership, Reverend Corsey was finally able 
to purchase a lot at 3913 Roanoke Avenue, and from there they began to 
build their new church. Reverend Corsey oversaw the construction of 
their new church building in 1918, and the name was officially changed 
from The Grafton Mission to New Grafton Baptist Church.
  Reverend Corsey served as New Grafton Baptist Church's pastor until 
his retirement in 1923. Following his departure from the church, he was 
succeeded by Reverend N. E. Jackson in 1924, Reverend Isaac Daniels in 
1928, and Reverend R. H. Green, DD in 1933.
  The New Grafton Baptist Church congregation continued to worship at 
their Roanoke Avenue location until 1963. Reverend W. M. Alston, DD, 
elected as pastor in 1937, oversaw the construction efforts and helped 
to ease the church's transition into their new building.
  New Grafton Baptist Church expanded again in 1988 under the 
leadership of Reverend S. D. Sparrow, who had ambitious plans for how 
to grow the church and give back to the local community. A number of 
choirs and ministries were established under his leadership, as well as 
the New Grafton Baptist Church Governing Board.
  Reverend Dr. Michael L. Sumler became the church's eighth pastor in 
2000, and the church has continued to grow and expand since then. New 
Grafton Baptist Church now supports a variety of ministries and 
programs aimed at bolstering fellowship and strengthening the church's 
community, including a Virtuous Women's Ministry, Community LINK 
program, Boys and Girls Scouts programs, Youth Ministry, Pastoral Care 
Ministry, and more. Reverend Sumler also led the congregation as they 
renovated the church and built a new, larger sanctuary in 2006.
  New Grafton Baptist Church enjoys a strong fellowship with Grafton 
Baptist Church--Dare Road and Grafton Baptist Church--Harris Grove, 
founded in 1777 and 1860 respectively. These three churches share a 
rich and deep common history, and their congregations regularly meet 
for joint picnics and worship services. Together they formed a Steering 
Committee, dedicated to celebrating their shared experiences as linked 
congregations that flourished in Virginia ``from slavery to the 
present.''
  Over the last 100 years, New Grafton Baptist Church has been served 
by many dedicated men of faith--Rev. Silas Corsey, Rev. N. E. Jackson, 
Rev. Isaac Daniels, Rev. R. H. Green, DD, Rev. W. M. Alston, DD, Rev. 
D. M. Willis, Sr., Rev. S.D. Sparrow, Sr., and Rev. Dr. Michael Sumler.
  Mr. Speaker, as New Grafton Baptist Church of Newport News, Virginia 
celebrates this historic milestone, its congregation can feel affirmed 
by 100 years of successful discipleship and service to both their 
community and to each other. I would like to congratulate Reverend 
Michael Sumler and all of the members of the church's congregation. I 
wish them

[[Page E1309]]

another 100 years full of growth and prosperity.

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