[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 185 (Wednesday, November 8, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1076]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      CELEBRATING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF MT. ZION BAPTIST CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GREG CASAR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 8, 2023

  Mr. CASAR. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to recognize Mt. Zion 
Baptist Church on the celebration of its 150th anniversary this year.
  Founded 1873 in Williamson Creek, this church soon faced its first 
challenges. Only 10 years after its founding, a flood destroyed the 
church building. Through resilience and faith, the congregation 
worshipped and held services in their homes while their community 
rebuilt what was lost.
  In 1948, the old walls of Mt. Zion Williamson Creek were transported 
and reinstalled at their new home in Austin, where it became Mt. Zion 
Missionary Baptist Church. Beginning in 1970, under the leadership of 
the late Rev. Dr. G. V. Clark, the church experienced a large increase 
in membership and expanded its facilities on and around East 13th 
Street. With a deep commitment to his faith and community, Dr. Clark 
served the congregants of Mt. Zion for five decades. Our whole 
community is greatly indebted to him for a lifetime of service.
  For over 150 years, Mt. Zion has been a pillar of East Austin. Under 
the current leadership of Reverend Dr. Daryl Horton, Mt. Zion continues 
a tradition of commitment and service to our community through charity 
and volunteerism, like housing the elderly, feeding children, and the 
poor. As the Congressman for the 35th District of Texas. I am proud to 
congratulate them on their 150 years of faithful service and dedication 
to improving the lives of so many in Austin.

                          ____________________