[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 150 (Monday, September 18, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E857]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE 120TH ANNIVERSARY OF LITTLE UNION BAPTIST CHURCH

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                     HON. ABIGAIL DAVIS SPANBERGER

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 18, 2023

  Ms. SPANBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Little Union 
Baptist Church in Dumfries, Virginia on their 120th anniversary.
  For 120 years, Little Union Baptist Church has served as a space for 
the community to gather, connect, and worship. Little Union Baptist 
Church has deep roots in Dumfries, Virginia that can be traced back to 
Mary Bates--fondly referred to by many as ``Granny Mary.'' Mary was 
born into slavery, but she had the determination to learn to read and 
write. After the Emancipation Proclamation, Mary settled in the area 
with her husband where she proved to be a pillar in the community. She 
served as a midwife, wrote letters on behalf of those who could not, 
and helped administer medications. In 1901, Mary convinced her husband 
John to donate land to build a local church, so people would not have 
to travel to neighboring communities to attend services. The church 
built on that land flourished and eventually came to be known to the 
community as Little Union Baptist Church.
  Today, Pastor Michael L. Sessoms continues Little Union Baptist 
Church's longstanding tradition of building community. Under his 
guidance, the church continues to grow and provides families in the 
Dumfries area with a space to gather and celebrate.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 120th 
anniversary of Little Union Baptist Church.

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