[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Pages 16747-16748]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                       MOUNT HELM BAPTIST CHURCH

  Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, today I rise to honor the oldest African-
American church in the City of Jackson, Mississippi, Mount Helm Baptist 
Church. Not only is it the oldest African-American church, but it is 
also one of the oldest churches in the State of Mississippi. Throughout 
this year, Mount Helm will be celebrating its 165th Anniversary with a 
theme ``Celebrating Our Heritage: Anticipating Our Future''. This 
year's theme should be echoed in the hearts and minds of everyone. This 
church clearly exemplifies this theme. Mount Helm, which was founded in 
1835, has continuously been a community leader and a strong advocate 
for Christianity and the spreading of the Gospel.
  Prior Lee, a prominent Jacksonian, developed a deep interest in 
religion

[[Page 16748]]

 and provided the resources for the construction of the First Baptist 
Church. After the church was completed, Lee persuaded the congregation 
to allow the African-Americans to hold their own worship services in 
the basement of the church. The Thirteenth Amendment, which abolished 
slavery, was ratified in 1867 and African-Americans withdrew from the 
First Baptist Church and erected their own church home, thus forming 
Mount Helm Baptist Church.
  During its 165 years of existence, Mount Helm Baptist Church has had 
the leadership of 21 pastors. Mount Helm is currently being pastored by 
the Reverend John R. Johnson, Jr. Under his leadership, it has always 
been a pillar of faith and support to local churches and the 
surrounding community. The Thomas and Mary Helm family, motivated by a 
benevolent and sympathetic spirit, donated the land upon which African-
Americans built their first church edifice.
  The City of Jackson and the State of Mississippi are grateful for 
Mount Helm's Baptist Church leadership and accomplishments.

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