[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 107 (Thursday, June 23, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E659-E660]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CELEBRATING 165 YEARS OF BETHEL AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 23, 2022

  Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the one 
hundred and sixty-five years of the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal 
Church located in Ann Arbor, Michigan as they host the Michigan Annual 
Conference of the Fourth Episcopal District of AME Churches. Their over 
one hundred and fifty years of service and dedication to our community 
is worthy of commendation.

[[Page E660]]

  The AME Church is the oldest historically Black church denomination, 
founded by faith leaders who faced racial discrimination that would 
prevent African American worshippers from attending the same sermons as 
their white peers. Beginning with the first Church in Philadelphia, 
Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, the AME churches 
expanded rapidly following the end of the Civil War and the 
emancipation of enslaved African Americans who sought a spiritual home. 
The Mission of the AME Church is to minister the social, spiritual, and 
physical development of all people.
  Founded by John Wesley Brooks in 1857, Bethel AME is the oldest 
historically Black church in Washtenaw County. Since their humble 
beginnings in a shared worship space, they have been a welcoming a 
vibrant member of our diverse faith collaborative in Southeast 
Michigan. Currently led by Reverend Mashod A. Evans, Sr. Bethel AME is 
a beacon of the Ann Arbor community. Their work goes far beyond worship 
with their charitable work done throughout the county by the 
congregation. They arrange donation drives for agencies that assist our 
neighbors at all walks of life, run a literacy program for children, 
and host events that support the health of our entire community. The 
church and its members are dedicated to uplifting and bettering our 
community, and for that we are thankful for their nearly two centuries 
of service.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating 
one hundred and sixty-five years of Bethel AME Church. As the Fourth 
Episcopal District celebrates their one hundred and thirty sixth 
Michigan Annual Conference here in Ann Arbor, we welcome leaders and 
delegates representing over fifty churches from across this great 
state. I join with Bishop John F. White, Reverend Mashod A. Evans, and 
the entire congregation of Bethel AME and the Fourth Episcopal District 
in extending my best wishes and gratitude to all on this special day. 
We are grateful for Bethel AME's impactful work and wish them continued 
success in the coming years.

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