[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 22177]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE SESQUICENTENNIAL OF THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

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                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 16, 2003

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, we in Toledo are proud to recognize the 
sesquicentennial of one of our oldest congregations, First Baptist 
Church. Now in suburban Greater Toledo, First Baptist Church was an 
anchor in central Toledo for more than a century. It is still known as 
``the friendly church with the caring spirit'' and this motto 
characterizes its congregation. Its membership sees the church as a 
home and each other as a family of believers. They care for each other, 
our community, and our world.
  During the early days of Toledo, Ohio, a hardy band of believers with 
a missionary zeal joined together in fellowship and formed the First 
Baptist Church. Right from the start, though their mission was to carry 
the Gospel forth into the world, the church's members have lived God's 
Word by example and have strived to serve our community. As Toledo grew 
and changed, so too did First Baptist Church. Today, its congregation 
can look back on a journey weathering hard times and good, tests and 
successes, drama and triumph. The journey continues, and First 
Baptist's members look forward to the future even as they celebrate 
their history.
  In John 8:12, we are reminded of Christ's promise that ``I am the 
light of the world: he that follows me shall not walk in darkness, but 
shall have the light of life.'' For 150 years, the faithful of First 
Baptist Church in Toledo have tried to follow our Lord's Word and live 
a Christ-centered life. The fruits of their labor may be seen in the 
continuity of their church, and its viability in our community over 
generations. I join with the congregation of First Baptist Church and 
our entire community in congratulating the church on reaching its 
milestone 150th anniversary. May these first 150 years be the 
inspiration for the next. Onward!

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