[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 195 (Friday, November 5, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1211-E1212]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF MERRIFIELD FOR THEIR 150TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 5, 2021

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the First Baptist 
Church of Merrifield

[[Page E1212]]

(FBCM) on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of its sanctuary.
  First Baptist Church of Merrifield was started in a log cabin between 
1871-1872. FBCM had then branched out and began worshipping on property 
owned by Mr. Robert Bradley of Merrifield. In 1891, the property was 
purchased from him by church Trustees: John E. Coates, Joshua Ball, and 
Joshua Pearson for the sum of five dollars. And quickly, FBCM was a 
church formed from strong community family ties.
  First Baptist Church of Merrifield was unable to adequately celebrate 
their 150th ``Sesquicentennial'' Homecoming Anniversary in 2020 due to 
the challenges of COVID-19. This year's celebration is significant as 
the spirit of last year is incorporated with the excitement of reaching 
151 years. First Baptist Church of Merrifield remains a vital part of 
the community today partnering with their neighbors both before and 
during COYID-19. They hosted the Greater Merrifield Business 
Association Annual Fall Festival in 2018, and virtual Sunday Services 
and Bible Studies continued to be held each week. They also organized 
First Baptist Church of Merrifield Community Festivals held in 2018 and 
2019, that included free food giveaways, gift card give-away, seminars 
on anxiety and grief, free tutoring, and mentorship sessions with local 
schools within the community (Luther Jackson Middle School, Timber Lane 
Elementary School, Annandale High School) as well as other outreach 
efforts.
  In 151 years, there have been 13 pastors and 2 interim pastors. Each 
one contributing to the growth of FBCM in their own way. A few of those 
contributions include: the establishment of the Golden Ages Senior 
Saints Ministry, the Merrifield Child Development Center, the Recovery 
of the Historic Bell, creation of a youth mentoring program with Luther 
Jackson Middle School, tutoring outreach with Luther Jackson Middle 
School, Timber Lane Elementary School, and Annandale High School, and 
much more. FBCM truly leads by both faith and example in our community.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending First 
Baptist Church of Merrifield for its efforts to better the Northern 
Virginia region and in congratulating them on the occasion of this 
anniversary. It is a privilege to work alongside this great 
congregation in the community, and I wish them continued success 
through faith, family, and service.

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