[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 141 (Wednesday, September 11, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S5977]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      110TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GREATER PINEY GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

 Mr. OSSOFF. Madam President, I rise to commend and celebrate 
the 110th anniversary of the Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church, widely 
known as ``The Church with Helping Hands.''
  In 1914, Piney Grove Church was organized and founded in a three-room 
house at 101 Bell Street in northeast Atlanta. A small band of 
worshipers first met on the second and fourth Sundays of each month. 
Its distinct, initial location was nestled alongside great historical 
churches such as Wheat Street Baptist Church, Big Bethel A.M.E, and 
Ebenezer Baptist Church.
  In 1917, 3 years after Greater Piney Grove's founding, the Fourth 
Ward community suffered one of the worst devastations the city had ever 
seen, the Great Fire of Atlanta. Thousands of Fourth Ward residents' 
homes and personal property were destroyed, including some members of 
this newly formed church. Piney Grove joined other churches and 
communities in helping to aid those dislocated by the fire.
  In 1939, the church moved from 101 Bell Street to 101 Boulevard, 
providing a larger facility, more stability among the congregation, and 
better resources with which to aid the membership and the surrounding 
community.
  In 1956, Piney Grove called its fourth pastor, the Rev. Frank Jones, 
whose tenure as pastor was the longest tenure of any of the pastors of 
Piney Grove and who changed the name of Piney Grove Church to its 
current name, the Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church, to envision the 
church as greater in all aspects of ministry and community services.
  After Reverend Jones passed away in September 1989, Rev. Dr. William 
E. Flippin, Sr., was named senior pastor. Under Reverend Dr. Flippin, 
Sr.'s leadership, the church has inaugurated a family life center, a 
1500-seat worship center, a community resource center, and the Grove's 
Gardens at East Lake Senior Living Community.
  On Sunday, August 18, 2024, the Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church 
formally celebrated its 110th anniversary.
  As Georgia's U.S. Senator, I commend and congratulate Reverend Dr. 
Flippin, Sr., First Lady Sylvia T. Flippin, Rev. Dr. Richard C. 
Flippin, the deacons, administrative staff and ministry leaders, and 
the entire community of ``The Grove'' on this historic 
milestone.

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