[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 146 (Thursday, September 12, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1141-E1142]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         IN HONOR OF OAK RIDGE BAPTIST CHURCH 50TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEVIN BRADY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 12, 2019

  Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, today I rise in celebration of the 50th 
Anniversary of the Oak Ridge Baptist Church in the Eighth Congressional 
District of Texas.
  Five families came to Oak Ridge, Texas from First Baptist Church in 
Conroe with the mission of building a sister church. The Suggs, Greer, 
Atherton, Pringle, and Allbrights families founded their church in the 
Tamina Community Hall on Robinson Road on October 22, 1967, with only 
50 members in attendance.
  In just two years, Oak Ridge Baptist Church grew to 253 members, and 
in 1969 a building off I-45 was dedicated to being their new home. 
After many wonderful years in that building, they finally settled into 
a more-permanent church facility on May 6, 2007. The congregation 
celebrated this move by marching from their temporary residence at 
Vogel Intermediate School to their new home on Hanna Road.
  Fifty years have passed since the opening of their first building, 
but Senior Pastor Dr. Galen Cooper continues to keep the mission of the 
original five families alive, by connecting individuals throughout Oak 
Ridge, Spring, and The Woodlands through faith and community. He works 
to not only bond families, but to also create a truly supportive 
fellowship within the church.
  For the congregation of Oak Ridge Baptist Church, worship extends 
well beyond the walls of their church building. Members are taught to 
bring their faith into every aspect of their lives. Through programs 
including Fellowship of Christian Athletes, The Gideon's International, 
Operation Christmas Card, and more, the congregation strives to better 
serve and improve their community based through their strong faith and 
welcoming values.
  These churchgoers not only support their brothers and sisters in 
Christ in Texas, but around the world. In fact, Oak Ridge Baptist 
Church has partnered with the Eastern Baptist Convention in Cuba to 
establish churches and a School of Music. Missionaries are also laying 
down Christian roots in Lithuania and Mexico.
  This year, Oak Ridge Baptist Church celebrates half a century of 
worship and fellowship, and I am proud to join their congregation in 
celebration of their Anniversary. Congratulations on 50 years, and I 
hope the next 50 will be just as fruitful.

[[Page E1142]]

  

                          ____________________