[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 87 (Thursday, May 23, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E663-E664]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 COMMEMORATING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LAFAYETTE CHURCH OF CHRIST

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN W. ROSE

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 23, 2019

  Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
recognize the Lafayette Church of Christ in honor of their 150th 
anniversary on June 19, 2019.

[[Page E664]]

  A longstanding pillar in the Macon County community, the Lafayette 
Church of Christ is widely known for its heart for service, love for 
others, and commitment to Christian principles. The congregation was 
founded by Isaac T. Reneau on June 19, 1869. Upon its founding, members 
met in various locations throughout Macon County. On January 11, 1874, 
the congregation held its first worship service in their first building 
on the town square in Lafayette. In 1963, a new building was 
constructed at 212 Church Street in Lafayette, which is where the 
congregation continues to meet. Today, that building is now part of a 
9.5-acre campus that also includes a new auditorium, Fellowship Hall, 
and Refuge building for youth activities. However, the congregation's 
most enduring legacy will be its commitment to spreading the Gospel 
throughout its community.
  The Lafayette Church of Christ has a rich heritage of upstanding 
families and strong believers. In efforts to care for their neighbors, 
the congregation offers a food pantry, utility bill assistance, 
furniture for those in need, and eager volunteers ready to answer the 
call of those in their community. Following the devastating tornado 
that hit Lafayette in 2008, it is well remembered that the members of 
the congregation eagerly coordinated response crews to those needing 
assistance and their fellowship hall served as a resource distribution 
center for the community.
  The Lafayette Church of Christ is faithfully led by Elders Bobby 
Bransford and Barry Doss, along with Pulpit Minister Jeny Mercer and 
Youth Minister Cameron Miller. Today, the Lafayette Church of Christ is 
comprised of 250 members and routinely hosts local chapters of the Boy 
Scouts, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, and American Red Cross blood drives. 
The congregation faithfully follows God's Biblical commands and seeks 
to be Christ's church in its community. The congregation is anchored in 
knowing that God gave His only begotten Son so that through baptism, we 
might live. I pray that this group of Christians may continue under our 
Father's protection in preaching, teaching, and sharing the great story 
of Christ.
  To my House colleagues today, I hope you will join me in 
congratulating the Lafayette Church of Christ on 150 years of service 
to the community and unwavering faith. I am confident their impact on 
Macon County will continue for generations to come

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