[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 10276]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


[[Page 10276]]

     IN HONOR OF MONUMENTAL BAPTIST CHURCH, CELEBRATING ITS 100TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 8, 2000

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Monumental Baptist 
Church. For 100 years, Monumental has been a sanctuary for fostering 
Christian ideals and values.
  Monumental Baptist Church was established in 1900, in a store front 
in New Jersey. From its humble beginnings as a small congregation, 
Monumental has experienced significant growth, establishing a 
foundation for a prosperous future.
  Reverend William Edwards was Monumental's first pastor, followed by 
Reverend C.H. Garelick, and Reverend William S. Smith, who, in 1905, 
was able to secure a new site for the church, at 116 Lafayette Street.
  Reverend Smith served his church and community with dedication. After 
forty years as pastor and community leader, he passed away. Under 
Monumental's next pastor, Reverend William Fitzgerald, a mortgage was 
liquidated and the church received a new roof.
  On the first Sunday of December 1944, Reverend Ercel F. Webb came to 
serve as pastor of Monumental Baptist Church. For 42 years, Reverend 
Webb dedicated himself to providing his congregation with spiritual 
guidance as well as strong leadership. During Reverend Webb's service, 
financial support to local and national organizations increased 
significantly. The United Negro College fund received substantial 
contributions, allowing the church to realize its goal of helping to 
provide young African-Americans access to a quality education.
  Following Reverend Webb's retirement in 1986, Reverend Willard W.C. 
Ashley served until 1996. The current pastor is Reverend Joseph L. 
Jones.
  Today, Monumental Baptist Church is 100 years old. I ask my 
colleagues to honor the church and its congregation for their century 
of dedication to God.

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