[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 132 (Friday, August 2, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1025]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING MT. JOY MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH IN EDWARDSVILLE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RODNEY DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 2, 2019

  Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
recognize Mt. Joy Missionary Baptist Church in Edwardsville, which is 
celebrating 150 years as a church congregation this year.
  Mt. Joy was founded in Edwardsville in 1869 by ex-slaves who 
conducted church services in their homes. Early members and founders 
dedicated their efforts and time into selling barbeque and wild game 
dinners to fund the construction of a log cabin in 1871 to hold church 
services for their community. After overcoming many obstacles over the 
years, including a fire that destroyed the original cabin in 1909, the 
church still stands strong on its mission to spread God's word in the 
Metro East.
  There have been countless leaders in the church's 150-year history, 
but I want to congratulate Pastor Steve Jackson and Chairman Donnie 
Howard for leading this church at this historic time. Mt. Joy 
Missionary Baptist Church is an important piece of Edwardsville's 
history, and I'm proud to honor the church and its legacy.

                          ____________________