[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 98 (Wednesday, June 8, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E598]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING BETHLEHEM CHURCH NO. 1 AND 2

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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 a 
remarkable community church, Bethlehem Church No. 1 and 2.
  The old Bethlehem No. 1 church was given in 1973 down on Porter's 
Bayou. The founder of the Bayou was Anderson Robinson. The Robinson's 
were the first Black family on the Bayou. A letter found written by 
Martin, recounts that several families suggested a plan to build a 
Brush Harbor Church in 1888, which was done. Shortly, thereafter, the 
Bethlehem Church No. 1 was built on land donated by Randall Miller and 
was pastored by Zachariah Coleman. The No. 2 church was bought from 
Jeff Arrington and a congregation was formed there in early 1890. The 
first pastor was Reverend Williams, as mentioned in the letter. The 
last pastor of the Bethlehem Church No. 2 was Reverend Clarence Hunt, 
who still lives in Cleveland, Mississippi.
  Bethlehem Church No. 2, an old Baptist church, was built in November 
of 1889. They closed in 2018 due to mold in the church and it was 
beyond repair. Unfortunately, there were no funds available for the 
needed repairs, so the decision was made to shut its doors. There are 
eight church members who joined in with Bethlehem Church No. 1, which 
is equally historic, about a quarter mile down the road.
  When Bethlehem Church No. 2 closed its doors, the church only had a 
small congregation. There had been a disagreement within the church for 
approximately 20 years and many of the members left because of it. 
Bernice Watts-Griffin, one of the eight people, left as congregants 
when Bethlehem No. 2 closed in 2018. She had been a member at Bethlehem 
Church No. 2 for over fifty years. The former church member said, ``I 
was one of the first students to integrate Shaw Public Schools in the 
mid-1960's and we had many Civil Rights activists in the 
congregation.'' Mrs. Griffin was a young girl during that time and do 
not remember any specific or historic meetings held during that time.
  Recently, there has been a discussion about trying to bet the church 
placed on a historic registry or named a historic site through the 
state. Hopefully, that comes to fruition. When asked what she would 
like to see happen to Bethlehem Church No. 2, Watts-Griffin said she 
wished the church would be formally declared and recognized as a 
historic building. It is the wish of the former members of Bethlehem 
Church No. 2 that the property could be repaired, however the damages 
inside the church would be of tremendous cost. It is with honor and 
hope to commend the vision of such a remarkable church as Bethlehem 
Church No. 2, where history is still standing. Although, they have 
joined with Bethlehem Church No. 1, the churches will continue to serve 
the community through service and commitment that has sustained the 
Bethlehem Church No. 2 family throughout this journey, and whose 
venture is a testament to God's promise of success and longevity to 
those who diligently seek Him and obey His will.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing 
Bethlehem Church No. 2 for their dedication to serving their members 
and community.

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