[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 142 (Friday, September 6, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1095]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CELEBRATING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SAINT REST BAPTIST CHURCH

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                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 6, 2019

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate Saint Rest 
Baptist Church in Fresno, California on the occasion of its 75th 
anniversary. The church is a valuable part of the community and strives 
to make West Fresno a better place for all residents.
  The church began in 1944 when West Fresno was growing. Reverend A.W. 
White organized and raised money to build the church. The first 
services were held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Levi Rogers. Reverend 
White did not know it at the time, but he would be the first of a long 
line of pastors of the Saint Rest Baptist Church.
  Over the years, Saint Rest continued to grow. In its early days, 
congregants met in a borrowed army surplus metal building. In 1948, the 
congregation moved into a former retail storefront, before building its 
first church in 1950.
  Saint Rest was without a pastor for some time, but finally Reverend 
Hudson Spencer Moore was named the seventh pastor of the congregation. 
Over the next two decades, the church only continued to grow. As the 
church expanded its programs and outreach, it was clear it was also 
outgrowing its space. In 1978, church members constructed a new worship 
facility.
  The congregation of St. Rest have been greatly involved in their 
community. Church pastors and members have instituted a number of 
programs to benefit the community. This includes a food and clothing 
ministry, house-to-house revival program, and marriage workshops. The 
church also supports local nonprofits, such as the Poverello House and 
the Fresno Rescue Mission. After being approved for 50l(c)(3) status, 
Saint Rest established the Saint Rest Economic Development Corporation 
to increase economic opportunities for the neighborhood and create a 
stronger quality of life.
  This church has had many leaders in its 75-year history, including 
Reverend M.F. Clay who took leadership after Reverend White. Reverend 
C.D. Davis started in 1946, then two years later, Reverend J.L. Hall 
during the metal building being dismantled. The first printed Sunday 
bulletin started in 1951 during Reverend Carter's leadership. Reverend 
E.C. Johnson became pastor and under his leadership, the church's 
mortgage was paid off. Reverend Hudson soon became head pastor and then 
Reverend Riggins.
  In 2006, Reverend Shane B. Scott became senior pastor and had the 
church address renamed to 1550 E Rev. Chester Riggins. It was one of 
the many successes that happened in his tenure for Saint Rest Baptist 
Church. In 2013, Pastor DJ Criner became Senior Pastor and has traveled 
throughout the United States to preach. His dedication to the community 
continues to make a difference.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Saint Rest 
Baptist Church as it celebrates their 75th anniversary. I wish all of 
the members of the congregation continued health, happiness and 
prosperity.

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