[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 172 (Wednesday, October 30, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1377]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING SAINT PETER'S BAPTIST CHURCH

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                         HON. STEVEN M. PALAZZO

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 30, 2019

  Mr. PALAZZO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Saint Peter's 
Baptist Church in Pascagoula, MS which will be celebrating its 200th 
anniversary. The founding of this church tells the story of Mr. Dudley 
Brooks, who was a former slave that gained his freedom by saving the 
life of his master's wife. Mr. Brooks then went on to work as a ship 
caulker so he could save up money, eventually buying his wife's freedom 
in Louisiana. Together, they traveled back to Scranton, presently known 
as Pascagoula, where they built their home on Market Street.
  Mr. Brooks started by gathering a small group of community members to 
worship in his home which eventually transformed into the First Free 
Mission Baptist Church, later installing Reverend George Washington as 
the first pastor. The congregation soon outgrew the Brooks' home as 
worshippers traveled from Gautier by boat to attend the church, 
requiring the church to move the service underneath a huge oak tree on 
Market Street, presently known as Canal Street. With the oak tree's 
roots serving as pews for family members, and a small ship's bell 
fastened to the tree churchgoers would summon worshippers to join their 
service by ringing the bell. While times were tough and money was 
limited, members of the congregation were able to raise $250 to 
purchase a 200 ft. by 60 ft. lot. While Mr. Brooks and the congregation 
were unable to write at the time the church was established, the story 
of the church's beginnings have been passed down through generations.
  The new church purchased a larger bell and placed it in the tree 
where the old ship's bell hung. While the church has since moved 
locations, the larger bell still hangs from an oak tree on Canal 
Street. Mr. Dudley Brooks' hardships are a real test of the human 
spirit, and through his determination, he created something that would 
continue to touch lives on the Mississippi Gulf Coast for centuries. 
His story is a true miracle and inspiration to us all. I want to 
congratulate the members of Saint Peter's Baptist Church for continuing 
to build on the foundation laid by Mr. Brooks and Jesus Christ our Lord 
and Savior.

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