[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 112 (Monday, June 28, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E706-E707]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CELEBRATING THE 22ND ANNIVERSARY OF CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 28, 2021

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate Christian 
Community Baptist Church in Fresno, California on the occasion of its 
22nd anniversary. The church is a valuable part of the community and 
plays an important role in the spiritual lives of citizens in the 
Central Valley.
  In February 1996, approximately 15 people left the Providence 
Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Deacon Elvey Perkins. 
During this time, the group held meetings and worship services at 
Denny's Restaurant on Abby Avenue to begin planning their future. In 
March 1996, this group began meeting at the Model Cities Building in 
Fraternal Hall. During this time the lay leaders of the group invited 
several ministers to preach God's Word. These consisted of four 
ordained Deacons, two Deacons on trial, and several Trustees. One of 
the local ministers invited to preach God's word was Dr. Jerome E. 
Jackson, Interim Pastor of the St. Rest Missionary Baptist Church of 
Fresno. After several business meetings, the group decided to form a 
congregation and to name it ``Christian Community Church''. In April 
1997, the church membership called Reverend Dr. Jackson to become the 
Pastor. Dr. Jackson accepted the pastorate and the first church service 
was held on April 20, 1997. Since then the Christian Community Baptist 
Church has built a model for the community of faith extending God's 
Kingdom spiritually, educationally, economically, evangelistically, and 
geographically.
  Under the leadership of Dr. Jackson, the newly formed Christian 
Community Baptist Church of Fresno, California filed for incorporation 
as a non-profit tax-exempt religious organization and received approval 
on June 1, 1998. In 1999, the newly incorporated Church moved from the 
Model Cities Building in Fraternal Hall to the New Millennium Charter 
School building. Almost immediately after being organized, the church 
connected itself

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with the St. John District Association of California, Nevada, and parts 
of Africa. In March 2000, Christian Community Church purchased the 
building at 3838 N. West Avenue.
  In 2005, Pastor Jackson united the church with the First Northern 
Central District Association of California, Nevada, and parts of 
Africa. Pastor Jackson served as Bible teacher, Vice-Executive 
Director, Member of the Board of Christian Education, Vice Moderator, 
and as Moderator of the First Northern Central District Association for 
over 5 years. With strong leadership, the last 22 years have been 
tremendously transformative for Christian Community Baptist Church. As 
they continue to grow and prosper, their effects in the community have 
helped too.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Christian 
Community Baptist Church as it celebrates its 22nd Anniversary. I 
commend Christian Community Baptist Church for its 22 years of 
commitment to service and I wish Dr. Jackson and the church many more 
years of service.

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