[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 151 (Tuesday, September 20, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S4852]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING DIXWELL AVENUE CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

 Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, today I rise to recognize 
Dixwell Avenue United Congregational Church of Christ as it celebrates 
202 years of spiritual leadership in New Haven, CT. I am honored to 
join Dixwell Congregational Church's congregation and supporters in 
celebrating the church's bicentennial, 2 years later than planned due 
to the COVID-19 pandemic--just the latest obstacle the church has 
overcome in its long and remarkable history.
  Dixwell Avenue United Congregational Church of Christ is the oldest 
African-American Congregational UCC church in the world. It was founded 
in 1820, when Black residents in New Haven were unwelcome at the city's 
traditional churches. Seeking the freedom to worship, a group of 22 
Black New Haven residents persuaded a Yale student and abolitionist 
named Simeon Jocelyn to conduct religious services with them at his 
home. Together they formed the city's first Black congregation and, 
after meeting house to house for 4 years, began renting a small church 
on Temple Street in New Haven in 1825.
  In 1837, the Rev. Dr. James W. C. Pennington became the first Black 
pastor of Dixwell Avenue United Congregational Church of Christ. After 
fleeing from slavery, the Yale-educated Pennington became 
internationally renowned as a skilled orator. Under his leadership and 
the pastorate of his successor, the Rev. Amos G. Beman, the church 
became one of America's most eminent civil rights organizations and a 
cradle of the abolitionist movement. Not only did the church serve as a 
stop on the Underground Railroad, but many of its members were active 
on the Amistad Committee, which supported the defense in the landmark 
1841 case United States v, The Amistad, which resulted in the U.S. 
Supreme Court granting the enslaved people onboard the ship their 
freedom.
  The church moved to its current home on Dixwell Avenue in 1886 and 
continued to work for the social betterment of the community. In the 
early 20th century, the church donated the land on which the original 
Dixwell Community House was built, ensuring that generations of area 
residents had access to enriching education and recreation, as well as 
vital social services. One of the central figures in the church's 
recent history is the civil rights activist Rev. Dr. Edmond R. Edmunds, 
who led the church for nearly 40 years beginning in 1959. Under his 
pastorate, the congregation established daycare and afterschool 
programs that encouraged academic achievement in the Dixwell 
neighborhood. He also helped initiate the Dixwell Housing Development 
Corporation which, for many years, provided affordable housing to 
local, low-income families.
  The church's current pastor, the Rev. Dr. Frederick ``Jerry'' Streets 
has carried forth the congregation's tradition of serving its 
community. Reverend Streets has fostered civil and constructive 
conversations about race in New Haven, developed faith-based 
rehabilitation programs for individuals with substance abuse disorders, 
and initiated summer STEM education programs for Dixwell neighborhood 
youth, amongst other good deeds.
  I have had the privilege of visiting Dixwell Avenue United 
Congregational Church of Christ on a number of occasions and have 
always been welcomed as one of the congregation. This kindness, free 
from judgement, has helped countless people in need over the past two 
centuries.
  As Dixwell Avenue United Congregational Church of Christ celebrates 
its bicentennial plus two this September, I applaud them on their 
extraordinary contributions--not just to the city of New Haven and 
State of Connecticut, but to our great Nation. I hope my colleagues 
will join me in congratulating Dixwell Avenue United Congregational 
Church of Christ on 202 years of committed worship and service to their 
community.

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