[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 83 (Wednesday, May 17, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E458-E459]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING THE 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. ABIGAIL DAVIS SPANBERGER

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 17, 2023

  Ms. SPANBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Bethel Baptist 
Church of Orange County, Virginia in honor of its 125th anniversary.
  Founded in 1898, Bethel Baptist Church was founded to ``satisfy and 
meet a spiritual need in the small community fondly known as Little 
Petersburg.'' The church immediately emerged as a critical site of 
community and spiritual enrichment for many Black residents of the 
area, including some who were formerly enslaved and others who served 
as soldiers during the Civil War.
  Many decades later, Bethel Baptist Church continues its work of 
spiritual enrichment, community engagement, and social outreach under 
the stewardship of Reverend Dr. Willie Elder and First Lady Angenette 
Elder. From baptism services held in the Little Petersburg River to the 
rich pastoral lineage that has grown the church, the flame of spiritual 
service and community dedication is alive and well.
  The resilience that is necessary to achieve a milestone of this 
order, 125 years of service,

[[Page E459]]

is remarkable. Such resilience must endure difficult times, such as the 
COVID-19 pandemic, and I applaud the grace and resolve this 
congregation demonstrated to emerge from those times stronger, more 
connected than ever before, and with a renewed sense of purpose.
  Bethel Baptist Church has been a blessing to Orange County, Virginia, 
Virginia's Seventh District, and our entire Commonwealth. As the U.S. 
Representative for the Seventh District, I am honored to congratulate 
Bethel Baptist Church on its 125th anniversary, and I wish them many 
more years of growth, impact, and service to the community.

                          ____________________