[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 195 (Wednesday, November 19, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H4813-H4814]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CELEBRATING 225TH ANNIVERSARY OF FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF SAVANNAH

  (Under the Speaker's announced policy of January 3, 2025, Mr. Carter 
of Georgia was recognized until 10 p.m. as the designee of the majority 
leader.)


                             General Leave

  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all 
Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their 
remarks and include extraneous material on the topic of this Special 
Order.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. KENNEDY of Utah). Is there objection to 
the request of the gentleman from Georgia?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate First 
Baptist Church of Savannah on their 225th anniversary.
  Since 1800, this church has stood as a cornerstone of faith, service, 
and resilience in our community. From its beginnings on Franklin Square 
to the historic sanctuary on Chippewa Square, First Baptist Church has 
been a beacon of steadfast devotion and is recognized as the oldest 
surviving house of worship in Savannah.
  Through its leadership and dedicated members, this church has shaped 
not only life in Savannah but also Baptist life across Georgia and our 
Nation. It has nurtured faith, advanced education through its 
connection to Mercer University, and embraced the spirit of service.
  Between its open-door policy during the Civil War to its recent pipe 
organ concert series, First Baptist Church has continually worked to 
build community and welcome all in their congregation. We celebrate 
them for both a remarkable history and a vibrant legacy of hope for the 
future.


                      Recognizing Katherine Spies

  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
Katherine

[[Page H4814]]

Spies, who until recently served as the director of flight test 
engineering at Gulfstream Aerospace and has now been selected as one of 
the 10 members of NASA's 2025 astronaut candidate class.
  Holding a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern 
California and a master's degree from Harvard University, Ms. Spies has 
consistently exemplified her dedication to innovation.
  NASA's astronaut candidate class is among the most competitive 
programs in the world, drawing thousands of applicants from across the 
Nation. A former Marine Corps attack helicopter pilot and engineer at 
Gulfstream, Ms. Spies stood out for her extraordinary record of 
service and expertise.

  Her selection continues our State's proud tradition of producing 
pioneers in science and technology and will inspire young people across 
Georgia to dream big and pursue careers in STEM.
  As she begins training for future missions, we are honored that 
Katherine Spies will continue to uphold Georgia's legacy of innovation 
and service to our Nation.


               Honoring Life and Service of Frank Garner

  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life 
and service of Frank Garner, chairman of the Liberty County Republican 
Party, who recently passed away.
  Frank was more than a dedicated leader. He was a proud military 
veteran and a man of deep faith and conviction. His commitment to his 
community and to our country was reflected in everything he did. 
Whether it was placing campaign signs, knocking on doors, or lending a 
helping hand to a neighbor, Frank led by example and inspired others 
through his actions.
  He worked tirelessly to strengthen the Republican Party in Liberty 
County and across Georgia, reminding us that real leadership begins 
with service and humility. His legacy will live on through the many 
lives he touched and the example he set for those who followed.
  We extend our deepest condolences to Frank's family, friends, and the 
Liberty County community. His life embodied patriotism, dedication, and 
service to others.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

                          ____________________