[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 139 (Friday, August 25, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E793]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING PASTOR GERALD AND FIRST LADY MAMIE KISNER OF TABERNACLE CHURCH

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                           HON. LOIS FRANKEL

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 25, 2023

  Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Reverand Gerald Kisner and First Lady Mamie Kisner for 29 exceptional 
years of presiding leadership over Tabernacle Church of Palm Beach, 
Florida. I had the privilege of attending many church services and 
working closely with the Kisner's during my 8 years as Mayor of West 
Palm Beach and to this day continue to honor our friendship.
  The Tabernacle Church, formerly the Tabernacle Missionary Baptist 
Church (TMBC), was originally founded in 1893 in an area called the 
``Styx'' in Palm Beach where it served families of African American 
construction crews who were building the grand hotels and homes in Palm 
Beach. One year later, the TMBC relocated to downtown West Palm Beach 
and established the first school for African American children in Palm 
Beach County.
  A new TMBC was built at its current location on Eighth Street in 
1925. With its distinctive towers and lighted domes, the TMBC is 
recognized as 1 of Florida's most important Romanesque Revival design 
churches. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 
1992.
  Pastor Gerald Kisner and First Lady Mamie Kisner became the leaders 
of Tabernacle Church in 1994. They have provided both spiritual and 
tangible leadership from the pulpit, on area civic boards, and with 
community projects. Of special note are the U. B. Kinsey Educational 
and Community Center that provides a comprehensive source of programs 
and services to the underserved and The Rosemary Village Construction 
Project that provides 53 free of charge single family homes, and a park 
in the Northwest neighborhood of West Palm Beach.
  Pastor Gerald and First Lady Mamie Kisner's commitment to the 
Tabernacle Church and their service to our community is truly 
remarkable. I congratulate them and wish them continued success.

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