[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 62 (Wednesday, April 10, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E448]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      CELEBRATING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF TRINITY BAPTIST CHURCH

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                         HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 10, 2019

  Mr. CLYBURN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Trinity 
Baptist Church in Florence, South Carolina as it celebrates its 150th 
anniversary and to congratulate Reverend Dr. Calvin E. Robinson, Jr. 
and his congregation on this significant milestone in the life of the 
church and congregation. This historic congregation was founded during 
the Reconstruction Era and throughout its history has been a beacon in 
times of joy and sorrow for the Florence community.
  Trinity Baptist Church had its humble beginnings in a home on Front 
Street. Thereafter a group of faithful Christians came together and 
purchased the lot adjoining the present edifice and the first framed 
building was constructed. The structure allowed the church to continue 
to grow and flourish under the leadership of Reverend Wesley J. 
Parnell.
  After a period of significant growth, the church moved to its current 
location where membership nearly doubled in the first few years. On one 
occasion two hundred members were baptized on the same day.
  Under the pastorate of Reverend Charles T. Taylor the church 
organized the Missionary Society and an outstanding field effort to 
establish Morris College in 1908, which is owned by the Baptist 
Educational and Missionary Convention of South Carolina--an 
organization that Trinity Baptist helped to found and organize. I am 
particularly pleased with this effort because both my parents obtained 
degrees from Morris.
  Under the leadership of a previous pastor, Reverend William P. Diggs, 
the church experienced unprecedented growth, greatly increasing its 
giving to missions, benevolences and education. In 1968, the church was 
expanded to include an education building and the sanctuary was 
extensively renovated. This new renovation and expansion helped the 
church to grow its education mission. It also provided the church with 
a choir room and a fellowship hall. The church has grown other missions 
including the Junior Missionary Society, Gospel Choir, Sunday School, 
and the Young Women's Auxiliary.
  Madam Speaker, I invite you and my colleagues to join me in 
commending Trinity Baptist Church for one hundred fifty years of 
faithful service. Its members continue to be beacons of hope in 
Florence, providing compassion and care for, not only its members, but 
also the least among us. I congratulate Trinity Baptist Church for its 
rich history and look forward to continue witnessing the good works of 
the church as it continues to grow and serve.

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