[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 35 (Friday, February 25, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E172]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING TRINITY AME CHURCH, LANSING

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELISSA SLOTKIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 25, 2022

  Ms. SLOTKIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a pillar of 
Lansing's African-American faith community: Trinity AME Church. For 
over 150 years, the area's oldest black church has knit itself into the 
fabric of its community, serving folks in ways that are too many to 
count.
  Trinity was founded in 1866 with only 21 members, and today it boasts 
a congregation more than 400 strong. Its roots in the Lansing community 
run deep, having been cultivated by generations of devoted congregants. 
Take a look around the pews on a Sunday and you'll see folks who have 
been coming to Trinity for decades. They come to say a prayer or chat 
with an old friend--to enjoy those little moments of community and 
humanity.
  Some have been members of Trinity AME for decades, like former MSU 
Athletic Director, and 2017 inductee into the MSU Hall of Fame, 
Clarence Underwood. He first joined in 1958 while studying at MSU, and 
never looked back.
  Trinity's impact reaches far beyond the walls of the church building 
off West Holmes Road. From youth programs, scholarships, clothing 
drives and more, Trinity and its congregation are devoted to supporting 
the people of Lansing. The congregation has also reached out beyond 
their immediate community, like helping the residents of Flint during 
its water crisis.
  With such a spirited and steadfast congregation, it is no surprise 
that Trinity is headed up by such a vibrant pastor. Pastor Lila Martin 
is the first woman to take the pulpit, and she has risen to the 
occasion.
  From getting kids involved in the services, to returning the church 
to its role as a vital part of the community, she is shepherding her 
congregation into a new era in its long history.
  Pastor Martin ends her sermons with, ``Maybe you're without a church 
home, then I invite you to allow Trinity to be your church home, we 
will accept you.'' Her steadfast effort to open Trinity's doors to all 
who may need it is felt each and every week.
  With in-person services returning and the congregation stronger than 
ever, the future looks bright for Trinity. Its history, members, and 
presence in the community is an essential part of Lansing, and I am 
proud that its impact will be forever known.

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