[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 87 (Thursday, May 23, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E667]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE 165TH ANNIVERSARY OF PROVIDENCE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST IN 
                          CHESAPEAKE, VIRGINIA

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                     HON. ROBERT C. ``BOBBY'' SCOTT

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 23, 2019

  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Providence United Church of Christ in Chesapeake, Virginia on its 165th 
anniversary.
  Providence Church began as an informal group of slaves and freed 
blacks coming together to worship. In the beginning, they gathered for 
worship in parishioners' homes and in public spaces. This time together 
was important for African-Americans because it provided spiritual 
support and a sense of community.
  In 1854, Providence Church was officially organized by Reverend 
Scott. Under his leadership, the congregation met every Sunday and grew 
in size. As the number of parishioners increased, the church was able 
to purchase property on Railroad Road and build a church. The church 
was built in 1872 and was located in the city of South Norfolk, 
Virginia. South Norfolk later became Chesapeake, Virginia in 1963.
  Providence Church was renamed Providence United Church of Christ in 
1957 when they joined the United Church of Christ family. Twenty years 
after joining the denomination and more than 100 years after the 
church's founding, Providence United Church of Christ expanded again in 
1978. They were fortunate to build another addition in the form of an 
educational wing in 2003. Today many of their ministries take place in 
this new space.
  Over the last 165 years, Providence United Church of Christ has 
continued to be a leader in the Hampton Roads community. The church 
serves the community through several ministries including the Christian 
Education Ministry, Senior Citizens Ministry and the Foodbank Ministry. 
Annual events include vacation bible schools, Kwanza celebrations, 
community confitmation classes, youth revivals and senior citizen 
celebrations. A unique feature of the church is that its congregation 
is divided into 12 tribes. These tribes provide a way for Providence 
United Church of Christ to reach different parts of the community.
  It is impossible to commemorate the 165th anniversary of Providence 
United Church of Christ without recognizing its former pastors who 
helped build and grow this historic church--Reverends Scott, J. Jones, 
A. Harris, G.T. Hall, A.B. Jones, J.J. Faulk, J.R. Alston, R.R. Briggs, 
Ben E. Cox, V. Chambers, Clifton Thomas, Dr. Isaac McDonald, Dr. Samuel 
Varner, Dr. Alexander Jamison, Sr. and currently Dr. A. Jerome Danage, 
Sr.
  Madam Speaker, as Providence United Church of Christ celebrates this 
historic milestone this weekend, its congregation can take pride in an 
inspiring 165 years of fellowship, worship and service. I would like to 
congratulate Reverend Dr. A. Jerome Danage, Sr. and all the members of 
the church's congregation on this joyous occasion, and I wish them many 
more years full of growth, prosperity and service to our community.

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