[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 157 (Wednesday, September 28, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E979]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF THE 136TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MOUNT MORIAH MISSIONARY 
                             BAPTIST CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 28, 2022

  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church on the anniversary of its 
inception after 136 blessed years of contributing to and serving the 
surrounding community through ministry and service. Mt. Moriah 
celebrated their anniversary on Sunday, September 25, 2022 at 10:00 
a.m. during their Sunday service in Macon, Georgia.
  The Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church was founded in 1886 by Rev. 
Harrison Hall and Rev. Henry A. Williams. Starting as a humble wooden 
structure on Powell Street, the church began to expand over the years 
to include a Sunday School and other additions that would become 
meeting spaces for community groups and clubs such as the Loyal 
Matrons, Richardson Literary, Cooperative Women, the Brotherhood, and a 
new Boy Scout Troop. After many fruitful years of ministry and 
expansion, the Lord provided Mt. Moriah with the means to relocate to 
its present-day home on Millerfield Road in 1967 where it was able to 
further expand and serve its members with even greater impact.
  The Mt. Moriah Baptist Church has for a century played a vital role 
in the spiritual and overall development of several generations through 
its active involvement in the Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Brownies, and 
Vacation Bible Schools. The church has always prioritized educating its 
members, and especially its youth, in positive life skills and 
encourages all members to join Prayer Meetings and Bible Study. And 
truly, the congregation of Mt. Moriah has always demonstrated a genuine 
concern for uplifting the surrounding community. Mt. Moriah continued 
in this mission in the foundation of the Family Life Center. Built and 
dedicated in 1992, the Center houses a nursery, library, six 
classrooms, and a gymnasium to be used and enjoyed by the church's 
members and ministries such as the Single's Ministry, the Couple's 
Ministry, Mission Board, YDC Ministry, Keenagers (Senior Saints), the 
Men of Mt. Moriah, and Women of Mt. Moriah. In 2006, the church 
established the Travel Ministry and took on the worthy cause of 
spreading its mission of evangelism and altruism abroad. Over the years 
the Travel Ministry would spread its ministry wide, including travel to 
Barbados, Jamaica, Liberia, South Carolina, Florida, and many other 
places with people in need.
  Over the decades, none of Mt. Moriah's accomplishments could have 
been possible without the hard work and dedication of the church's many 
dedicated members, deacons, ministers, and, most importantly, its 
pastors. Each pastor has contributed to the growth and excellence of 
the church through various initiatives; under Reverend Lonzy Edwards, 
Sr.'s leadership Mt. Moriah saw the establishment of a college 
scholarship fund, a new radio ministry, and a property expansion. Mt. 
Moriah's current lead pastor, Reverend Dr. Stanley Kimble, has not only 
continued to advance the church's long-held mission of uplifting the 
greater community; he has also brought forth a newfound passion for 
youth engagement and local charities. Dr. Kimble founded the ``Get Your 
Glory Youth Praise Dance Ministry'' and the Youth Cafe on every third 
Sunday, as well as the Feeding of the Homeless Ministry and the Red 
Cross Blood Drive. It is without a doubt that these pastors' 
contributions inspired so many to do what they may never have thought 
possible.
  The story of Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, which began as a 
small group of people worshipping 136 years ago and has grown into an 
expansive and successful church, is truly an inspiring one of the 
dedication and perseverance of a faithful congregation who put all of 
their love and trust in the Lord. Ephesians 4:4 tells us, ``There is 
one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your 
calling.'' Mt. Moriah from its inception has served as one body and 
spirit in service to God and Jesus Christ.
  Madam Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join my wife, Vivian, and 
me, along with the more than 730,000 people of Georgia's Second 
Congressional District in recognizing and honoring the Mount Moriah 
Missionary Baptist Church on its 136th anniversary for its 
congregation's enduring commitment to each other and to our Lord and 
Savior Jesus Christ. May their actions continue to inspire the 
community in courage, in dedication, and in faith.

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