[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 2 (Friday, January 5, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2-E3]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNIZING FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH WEST POINT

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                         HON. ROBERT J. WITTMAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 5, 2024

  Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the First Baptist 
Church of West Point, Virginia. December 21st marked the Church's 150th 
anniversary.
  Since its founding in 1873, the First Baptist Church established 
itself as a cornerstone of West Point and the surrounding communities. 
Today, we recognize the First Baptist Church's service to the people of 
West Point as a place for the faithful to gather in worship, for those 
in need to receive help, and for the young to be nurtured and educated.
  It was from modest beginnings that the First Baptist Church came into 
being. In 1870, there were fewer than four hundred people living in the 
village of West Point. Among them was Mrs. Sue Davis, who dreamed of a 
Baptist Church in her community. Mrs. Davis travelled to Stevensville 
to contact Rev. Alfred Bagby about starting a Baptist Church in West 
Point, which he and a group of fifteen other Baptists did when they met 
on December 21st at 2 o'clock to baptize Clarence Anderson as the first 
member received into the Church.
  Over the next 150 years, the First Baptist Church has had many great 
pastors. Among them was Rev. Marvin Kerby, who stood as a true example 
of Godly integrity during his tenure of more than 31 years as Senior 
Pastor.

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His leadership had a profound impact on West Point and the surrounding 
communities. The Church thrived as a source of spiritual support to 
those in need, not just in Virginia but the entire world.
  Rev. Dr. James Goebel has stood as Senior Pastor of the First Baptist 
Church for almost nine years. During that time, he has continued the 
traditions of the great pastors who came before him, ensuring that his 
congregation will continue to prosper for generations to come.
  Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I ask that you rise with me in honoring the 
First Baptist Church for its dedication to serving the people of West 
Point for 150 years.

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