[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 164 (Monday, October 6, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E936]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF MERRIFIELD ON THEIR 155TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. JAMES R. WALKINSHAW

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 6, 2025

  Mr. WALKINSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the First Baptist 
Church of Merrifield on the occasion of the 155th anniversary of its 
sanctuary. For more than a century and a half, First Baptist Church of 
Merrifield has served as a cornerstone of faith, service, and community 
for the Northern Virginia region. First Baptist Church of Merrifield 
was started in a log cabin between 1871 to 1872. FBCM had then branched 
out and began worshipping on property owned by Mr. Robert Bradley of 
Merrifield. In 1891, the property was purchased from him by church 
Trustees: John E. Coates, Joshua Ball, and Joshua Pearson for the sum 
of five dollars. FBCM is a church formed from strong community family 
ties and has remained steadfastly community focused since.
  FBCM remains a vital part of our district today by partnering with 
neighbors and local organizations to fulfill local needs through 
service projects, food and supply drives, youth programs, and many 
other community-centered initiatives. Through these efforts, FBCM 
continues to foster a spirit of faith, service, collaboration, and 
compassion throughout our district.
  Over the past 155 years, FBCM has been led by 13 pastors and 2 
interim pastors. Each one contributing to the growth of FBCM and 
leaving behind their own unique legacy of service. A few of those 
contributions include: the establishment of the Golden Ages Senior 
Saints Ministry, the construction of the Merrifield Child Development 
Center, the recovery of the original church bell, the creation of a 
youth mentoring program with Luther Jackson Middle School, the 
development of a tutoring outreach program targeting local students, 
and much more. FBCM and its congregation lead by faith and example in 
our community.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending First 
Baptist Church of Merrifield for its efforts to better the Northern 
Virginia region. Achieving 155 years of ministry is a milestone worth 
celebrating. It is a privilege to work alongside this great 
congregation in the community, and I wish them continued success 
through faith, family, and service.

                          ____________________