[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 40 (Friday, February 28, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E233]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 225TH ANNIVERSARY OF MARINER'S TEMPLE BAPTIST CHURCH IN NEW YORK CITY

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                        HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 28, 2020

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 225th 
anniversary of Mariner's Temple Baptist Church located at 3 Henry 
Street * 12 Oliver Street (Mariners' Temple Lane) in New York City. The 
Church's history is deeply rooted with the history of the Nation and 
this year celebrates a momentous milestone.
  According to history, in 1795, Henry Rutgers, a descendent of Dutch 
immigrants, donated land on the corner of Oliver and Henry Streets 
designated for Baptist worship. Located a few blocks from the first 
White House occupied by George Washington and his wife on Cherry Lane, 
the first Church at Oliver and Henry Streets was called the Oliver 
Street Meeting House. The early Church began as a Mission for seamen 
who docked at the nearby East River and the church became famous.
  Mariner's Church was established as a food and shelter mission for 
the seamen whose hard work helped New York City develop into a HUB of 
commerce and culture. The church is one of the oldest sites for Baptist 
worship in Manhattan offering innovative ministry in response to the 
great influx of immigration. Mariners' Temple gained the reputation as 
``The Mother of Churches,'' launching the First Swedish Baptist Church, 
the First Italian Church, the First Norwegian-Danish Baptist Church, 
The first Lettish (Latvian) Church, the First Russian Church and the 
First Chinese Church as each new arrival of immigrants moved through 
the Lower East Side. From the 1940s to the 1970s, Mariners' Temple 
continued to be a spiritual center welcoming all ethnic groups in the 
neighborhood and establishing supportive missions and classes for 
Chinese, Latinx and African Americans.
  Today, the church continues to be a beacon of hope for parishioners 
from all backgrounds. It takes the call to community engagement 
seriously. Mariner's Temple community is incredibly active, 
participating in a variety of ministries and programs. Under the 
leadership of Rev. Dr. Henrietta Carter, Mariners' Temple remains 
committed to its missions and outreach initiatives. There is a ministry 
for everyone as Mariners' focuses on the ministries of Prayer, Church 
School/Christian Education, Evangelism, New Discipleship, Community 
Outreach, Communications, Sacred Arts Drama & Dance, Health, Wellness 
and Soul Care. Mariners' Temple is a multicultural Church utilizing 
small-group-driven ministry to build and strengthen the community.
  Madam Speaker, as Mariner's Temple celebrates this historic 
milestone, its congregation can take pride in an inspiring 225 years of 
fellowship, worship, and service. I would like to congratulate Rev. Dr. 
Henrietta Carter and past and current members of the church's 
congregation on this joyous occasion. Mariner Temple Baptist Church 
embodies the values of charity, inclusion, and integrity embraced by 
all New Yorkers. I wish them many more years full of growth and 
prosperity.

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