[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 98 (Wednesday, June 8, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E595]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





             HONORING WHITE STAR MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

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                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 8, 2022

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
history of White Star Missionary Baptist Church.
  The history of White Star Missionary Baptist Church will help to 
inspire the present and future congregations. Since its beginning, 
White Star has stood pointing men and women, boys, and girls to the 
Heavenly way. Amid world turmoil in the face of strife and war, and at 
times when Christian ideals are crumbling this church has ever held 
high the banner of Christ who said, ``Upon this rock I build my church 
and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it.''
  White Star Church had its beginning intricately tied to another 
church, the ``Colored Methodist Episcopal Church.'' The first church 
held its services in the Methodist church building that was located on 
the northwest corner of Railway Avenue and Willis Street (the present 
residence of Mr. & Mrs. S.A. Payton). White Star Church developed out 
of the desires of and efforts of some of the residents of Belzoni to 
organize a church. These members met in the Methodist building until 
they were able to purchase the Methodist lots and build their own 
church. According to Mrs. Geneva York and the legal documents at the 
county courthouse, White Star Church was organized in 1915.
  The White Star Church became a separate entity in 1920 under the 
leadership of its first pastor, the Reverend I.E. Taylor. During his 
leadership, White Star Church moved to its present site at 609 Railway 
Avenue.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing White 
Star Missionary Baptist Church for their dedication and tenacity to 
serving their members and community.

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