[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 201 (Thursday, November 18, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1256]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE 155TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF FRANKLIN

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                     HON. ROBERT C. ``BOBBY'' SCOTT

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 18, 2021

  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
155th anniversary of First Baptist Church of Franklin which has been a 
continuing source of inspiration for the community of Franklin, 
Virginia. The church was founded in 1866, a year after slavery was 
abolished in the United States. First Baptist Church of Franklin stands 
tall as the oldest organization of continuous existence in Franklin.
  The beginnings of First Baptist Church of Franklin were one of 
hardship at the initial phase of the Reconstruction era. A young man of 
faith named Joseph Gregory was recommended to be a licensed preacher. 
Reverend Gregory was assigned a post to give the message of Christ to 
the African American members of this and other churches.
  Through the following months, he started preaching in the little 
village of Franklin. He took initiative and organized the Cool Spring 
Baptist Church. The church started in a brush arbor near the Black 
Water River, which was donated by Tom Barrett, one of the church's 
members. Unfortunately, the brush arbor burned down but this did not 
stop the continuous work of the congregants. Under the leadership of 
the founding pastor, the members rebuilt and continued serving their 
community. Following the leadership of Reverend Gregory, First Baptist 
Church of Franklin has had a diverse succession of faithful servants, 
such as Reverend Guy Powell, Reverend M.E. Gerst, Dr. W.R. Ashburn, 
Reverend S.W. Timms, Reverend W.E. Sanderlin, Dr. M.C. Allen, Reverend 
Grover C. Lassiter, Reverend Samuel Franklyn Daly, Reverend Henry 
Blunt, Reverend Dr. Paige Chargois, Reverend Dr. D.S. Riddick, II and 
the church's current pastor, Reverend Marcus D. Jennings.
  First Baptist Church of Franklin is still a pillar of the community. 
The organization's ministries bring essential services to the City of 
Franklin and its citizens. In these trying times, First Baptist Church 
of Franklin has shown resiliency and remains a source of inspiration 
for its congregants.
  Madam Speaker, I congratulate the members and leaders of First 
Baptist Church of Franklin for their contributions to the City of 
Franklin for the last 155 years. The ongoing commitment to preach the 
gospel, give the good news and to extend faith is reflected in the rich 
history of the church. I commend pastor Marcus Jennings for his vision 
and service to his congregation, the community of Franklin, and the 
members of the congregation who all make a community of faith possible. 
I wish the church many more years of growth and prosperity.

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