[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 15]
[Senate]
[Pages 21882-21883]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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       ANNIVERSARY OF THE LITHONIA FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

 Mr. CLELAND. Mr. President, in my lifetime, I have witnessed 
many changes, experienced fantastic joys, and seen countless faces. It 
is easy in today's fast-moving society to find yourself caught in a 
perpetual whirlwind. With days full of appointments and meetings, life 
sometimes seems to lose all semblance of stability. Luckily, I have 
always had a source of peace and inspiration in my life, Lithonia First 
United Methodist Church.
  With great personal pride and happiness, I come before you today to 
commemorate an anniversary that is of particular importance to my 
family and me. One hundred-forty years ago, on Sunday, October 14, 
1860, a small group of Lithonians convened for the first time to 
worship under the leadership of the Reverend Newdaygate B. Ousley. From 
its humble beginnings in a one room meeting house, Lithonia Methodist 
Episcopal Church, the forerunner to Lithonia First United Methodist 
Church began its ministry and a tradition of service that continues 
even today.
  It is ironic that a church that grew during the tumult of the Civil 
War has lasted as long as Lithonia First has. In fact, it is perhaps 
even more astounding that over the years since its first meeting, 
during a time that has seen two world wars and countless technological 
innovations, the church has pulled even closer together and taken on a 
significant leadership role in its Georgia community.

[[Page 21883]]

  For 140 years, Lithonia First United Methodist Church has provided 
services and leadership for the surrounding region. Through personal 
outreach, family ministry, and organizing events like flea markets and 
barbeques to raise money for the needy, Lithonia First has solidified 
its place of leadership in its community.
  Since its simple beginnings, Lithonia First United Methodist Church 
has grown and become a source of stability and inspiration for its 
congregants. Under the ministry of its Pastor, Dr. Lawrence E. Wilson, 
the church has proven how important faith is to our prosperity, and 
illustrated the power of a community united. It is my pleasure to honor 
Lithonia First United Methodist Church for its historic anniversary. I 
am forever grateful for the church's acceptance, dedication, and 
commitment, I am truly blessed to be a part of such a wonderful 
community.

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