[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 82 (Thursday, May 16, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E608-E609]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE MACEDONIA BAPTIST CHURCH ON THE OCCASION OF ITS 130TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 16, 2019

  Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today 
to join the congregation of the Macedonia Baptist Church of Ansonia, 
Connecticut in extending my heartfelt congratulations on the 
celebration of their 130th Anniversary. Throughout its history, the 
Church and its congregation have demonstrated a unique commitment to 
serve the community and ensure that the most vulnerable of our citizens 
could find comfort and resources in their time of need.
  In 1889, with the help of local businessman Franklin Farrel, a group 
of local African-American residents banded together to organize and 
incorporate a mission which would soon become the Macedonia Baptist 
Church. In addition to helping the group organize and incorporate the 
mission, the Farrel family donated a beautiful stained glass window, 
which remains even today, as well as the bell for the belfry. Over the 
course of the last one hundred thirty years, the Macedonia Baptist 
Church has strengthened the bonds of faith and friendship and has 
become an iconic fixture in the community.
  From its first Pastor, the Reverend Edward Johnson, who traveled from 
Yonkers and was so beloved that parishioners of all ages would meet him 
at the train station to escort him to church, to the Reverend Julian 
Taylor who served the ministry for more than four decades; and from the 
Reverend V. Loma St. Clair who expanded the reach of the Macedonia 
Baptist Church across the community, to today's leadership of Pastor 
Alfred Lee Smith, Jr., the spiritual guidance that has led the 
congregation over time has not only provided parishioners with 
nourishment of the soul but encouraged them to make a difference in the 
community as well.
  The Macedonia Baptist Church has not only been a center for religious 
worship, but a vehicle through which their members could give

[[Page E609]]

back to the community. Our churches play a vital role in our 
communities--providing people with a place to turn to for comfort when 
they are most in need. The Macedonia Baptist Church gives its members a 
place to find their spiritual center and to solidify and support their 
values. For one hundred thirty years, the Macedonia Baptist Church has 
been a fixture in our community. Through their ministry and outreach 
efforts, they have left an indelible mark on our community and continue 
to make a difference in the lives of others. I am proud to stand today 
and extend my very best wishes to them as they mark this milestone in 
their history. Happy 130th Anniversary.

                          ____________________