[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 137 (Tuesday, August 20, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1067-E1068]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING HAMILTON CHAPEL BAPTIST CHURCH ON THEIR 105TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. VAN TAYLOR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 20, 2019

  Mr. TAYLOR. Madam Speaker, in 1914, Hamilton Chapel Baptist Church 
was established as Frisco, Texas' first African American church. 
Pastored by Reverend Jack Hamilton, the congregation spent its first 
several years gathering out of Reverend Hamilton's home.
  In 1920, services would be moved to its current location on Ash 
Street in Frisco. The original building and lot were donated by Rev. 
Hamilton, and in 1924 a new building was erected in the same space. 
During the week, the building would serve as Hamilton Elementary, a 
school for African American students in the community. While the school 
would close its doors in 1964, the church would remain as a consistent 
source of spiritual unity within the growing and closely knit 
community.

[[Page E1068]]

  In the late 1960s and 1970s, the building would be renovated under 
the leadership of Reverend Arthur Maxwell, who led the church for 
thirty-three years. Today, the church proudly stands under the 
leadership of Rev. Henry Thomas. While Hamilton Chapel Baptist Church 
has undergone many changes in its 105-year history, its overall mission 
has stayed the same.
  Madam Speaker, today I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing 
Hamilton Chapel Baptist Church for serving as a place of praise and 
worship in the Frisco community for the past 105 years.