[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5595]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING RIDGEWOOD BAPTIST CHURCH IN JOLIET, ILLINOIS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JERRY WELLER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 6, 2003

  Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Ridgewood Baptist 
Church in Joliet, Illinois. The Ridgewood Baptist Church is celebrating 
its 100th anniversary on March 9, 2003.
  In 1888, Mr. William Rix, Mr. Hartwell, and Reverend J. W. Conley 
started Sunday School meetings that were held in various homes. In 
1891, an unsightly building formerly used as a pest house was cleaned 
and renovated. This is where the first Sunday School session was held 
with George L. Vance acting as Superintendent. In 1895, property was 
purchased on the southeast corner of Brown and Leach Avenues at a cost 
of $400. A Chapel was built and dedicated in November 1896, at a total 
cost of slightly more than $2500 and at that time was nearly debt-free. 
On March 8, 1903, 32 people met in the chapel and organized themselves 
into what has since been known as the Ridgewood Baptist Church. During 
that March, a church covenant was adopted, a baptistry was built and 
the Plano Baptist Church donated their old church pews. Out of this 
humble beginning, Ridgewood Baptist Church emerged.
  The Church has grown in many ways since its humble beginnings. Today, 
around 300 people attend services at Ridgewood Baptist Church. In 1974, 
the Church opened its doors to their new school, Ridgewood Baptist 
Academy. Reverend Albert Baker is the current pastor of the Church. 
Reverend Baker's vision for the church is to have more land for the 
sports programs at the school. He also desires spiritual growth for his 
people and a desire to share their worship with others.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge this body to identify and recognize other groups 
in their own districts whose actions have so greatly benefitted and 
strengthened America's families and communities.

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