[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 63 (Monday, April 11, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E380]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CELEBRATING THE 101ST ANNIVERSARY OF TABERNACLE MISSIONARY BAPTIST 
                                 CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. FRANK J. MRVAN

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 11, 2022

  Mr. MRVAN. Madam Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration 
that I take this time to congratulate Tabernacle Missionary Baptist 
Church of East Chicago, Indiana, as the congregation joins together in 
celebration of the church's 101st anniversary. The parishioners, along 
with Tabernacle's pastor, Reverend Antonio R. Daggett Sr., will be 
commemorating this momentous occasion with a celebratory banquet on 
Friday, May 13, 2022, at Lake Etta Banquet Hall in Gary, Indiana.
  On April 16, 1921, a new church branched out from Lily White Baptist 
Church of Gary. It was founded and organized by Reverend White at the 
home of James Nickle of East Chicago, Indiana. After prayerful 
consideration, the name Tabernacle, which means ``a sacred tent and 
dwelling place of God'' was suggested and approved, thus establishing 
the church under Reverend White's leadership. Throughout the years, 
numerous remarkable pastors have helped build the church and expand the 
congregation as well as the outstanding services and programs offered 
to the community. In 1962, Reverend James H. Hunter became pastor of 
Tabernacle, a position he held for an astonishing fifty-six years. A 
determined and passionate servant, Pastor Hunter accomplished many 
great things during his tenure at Tabernacle, including the relocation 
of the church from 3867 Pennsylvania Avenue to its current home at 3715 
Butternut Street. The building and its furnishings, parsonage, and 
parking facilities were built a cost of more than half a million 
dollars. On April 12, 1981, during a joyous service, the church 
mortgage was placed before the altar and burned.
  Over the years under the leadership of Reverend Hunter, Tabernacle 
has instituted many ministries and organizations in its effort to 
further to gospel and promote unity within the community. The church 
continues to be actively involved in national, regional, state, and 
district affiliates of the Progressive National Baptist Convention, as 
well as local civic groups, and is a Life Member of the NAACP.
  On June 13, 2021, Reverend Antonio Daggett Sr. was installed as 
pastor of Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church. During a time when many 
churches and religious organizations were no longer meeting in person 
due to the pandemic, Pastor Daggett states that he, led by almighty 
God, was compelled to continue with in-person worship while maintaining 
CDC guidelines and safety measures. Under Reverend Daggett's 
leadership, Sunday School has been reestablished while bible study, 
prayer meeting, youth choir and youth ministry, birthday celebrations, 
nurses' guild, mothers' board, and many new ventures are on the 
horizon.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues 
join me in honoring and congratulating Tabernacle Missionary Baptist 
Church of East Chicago, Indiana, on its 101st anniversary. The members 
and church leaders have dedicated themselves to serving others, 
especially those most in need, and they are an inspiration to all.