[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 40 (Wednesday, March 6, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E259]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       RECOGNIZING THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF ANTIOCH BAPTIST CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 6, 2019

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Pastor Marshal L. 
Ausberry and the congregation of Antioch Baptist Church on the occasion 
of their 30th anniversary.
  Founded on January 8, 1989 by Pastor John Q. Gibbs, Antioch Baptist 
Church has been a thriving member of the Fairfax County community. 
Pastor Gibbs was responsible for many of the significant milestones in 
the church's history, including the purchase of the land where the 
current building now stands, as well as the construction of the 
building that would become the new and expanded sanctuary.
  Just as the physical presence of Antioch Baptist Church has expanded 
over time, so too has their presence in the community. The congregation 
provides witness to their faith through a variety of missions, 
including programs assisting the homeless population, the elderly, 
those suffering from illness and those who are incarcerated. The 
congregation has also participated in international relief efforts, 
such as the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Haiti in 2010.
  As someone who attended seminary and seriously considered entering 
the Catholic priesthood, I can attest that being called to ministry is 
a special responsibility. The burdens and rewards that are represented 
by this calling are neither widely understood nor appreciated, but they 
are uniquely enriching.
  I have often found a pastoral aspect to my constituent service work 
as a Member of Congress and I trust that Antioch Baptist will continue 
to be a pastoral force in the community for many years and decades to 
come. I am confident that Antioch Baptist Church will continue to 
prosper and provide the community with the spiritual guidance so needed 
in today's complex world. Their dedication to ministry and to their 
faith is to be commended, and I thank them for their dedication to 
their congregation and our community.
  On behalf of the 11th Congressional District, I again congratulate 
Pastor Ausberry and the entire congregation on this momentous 
anniversary. I ask my colleagues to please join me in offering their 
congratulations to in wishing Antioch Baptist Church continued success 
in all their future endeavors.

                          ____________________