[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 186 (Thursday, December 1, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1199-E1200]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING TWENTY-THREE YEARS OF SERVICE FROM ELIM CHRISTIAN 
                               FELLOWSHIP

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 1, 2022

  Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, today I am pleased to honor a 
pillar within the city of Buffalo, ELIM Christian Fellowship. ELIM has 
had unwavering support for all of Western New York since its creation 
in 1999, and their congregation is now celebrating their twenty-third 
year of service. I would like to congratulate them on their 
perseverance through struggles and wish them a successful night of 
celebration.
  Under the leadership of Senior Pastor T. Anthony Bronner. ELIM 
Christian Fellowship was founded as a non-denominational and bible-
based ministry, inviting people of all communities. According to Senior 
Pastor Bronner, ``The name ELIM conceptually means a place of 
refreshing, reviving, and renewing for weary travelers and has proven 
to be a fitting symbol of spiritual revitalization and restoration. It 
is known for its spirit-led praise, worship, and intercessory prayer. 
People from all races, religions, age groups, and denominational 
affiliations engage weekly to see God's Face.''
  On the Fellowship's first day of worship, over seven-hundred men, 
women, and children gathered at the former Buffalo Christian Center in 
downtown Buffalo. Many of the original members were also attendees of 
the Regional Morning Prayer Movement. It drew in people of all kinds 
from many different communities. This Regional Morning Prayer continued 
uninterrupted since its inception, even through the COVID-19 pandemic.
  ELIM moved from the Christian Center to Turner Carroll High School in 
February of 2000. After only six months of occupancy, membership grew 
from 700 to over 1600. Due to the growth in membership at ELIM, in June 
2000, they had the opportunity to purchase a property across from The 
Central Park Plaza for a new Worship and Youth Center.
  When the Center opened in August 2000, more than 700 members, several 
communities, and political leaders attended the trailblazing ceremony. 
In that same year, ELIM members and visitors had the opportunity to 
meet with First Lady, Hillary R. Clinton, and hear her words of 
encouragement.
  Also, under the leadership of Senior Pastor T. Anthony Bronner, ELIM 
Christian Fellowship, created a chapter in Rochester, NY in November 
2002. The expansion was a major evolution for the Fellowship and 
expanded the tightly knit community. The expansion also demonstrated an 
expansion in its mission and who that mission can reach. With the 
evolution in leadership, ELIM saw a large increase in permanent members 
due to holding worship at an unconventional time in the afternoon. In 
September 2004, ELIM finally officially obtained a worship center in 
the heart of Rochester, cementing their welcomed expansion.
  Then on April 30, 2006, ELIM had the privilege of opening a new 
worship center with a

[[Page E1200]]

service of thanksgiving. Many community leaders and congregational 
members celebrated the event with prayer and a march from the Central 
Park Plaza to the new edifice. Moving forward to 2008, the Consecration 
and Ordination Service for leader Bishop T. Anthony Bronner occurred 
with the Fellowship members as witnesses. Everyone was extremely 
excited and joyful over Pastor Bronner's initiation into the Bishopric.
  Undoubtedly, ELIM faced an unprecedented amount of hardship, but 
years of struggle were made worthwhile when ELIM Christian Fellowship 
just recently made its final payment on its multimillion-dollar 
mortgage. Now the ministry can move forward and serve the community 
without hesitation. They have a permanent home.
  Our community is grateful for the leadership of the ELIM Christian 
Fellowship and for their dedication to guiding countless Buffalonians 
in faith and service.

                          ____________________