[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 18]
[Senate]
[Page 23637]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              EBENEZER AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

 Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, it is my pleasure to congratulate an 
outstanding and historic church from my home State of Michigan. This 
year, Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church of Detroit, 
celebrates 135 years of service, learning and faith. This milestone 
provides the perfect opportunity to reflect on the rich history of this 
institution and to remember the many individuals who played an integral 
part in its success.
  The name ``Ebenezer'' means ``stone of help,'' and for 135 years, 
Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church has truly exemplified this 
meaning. Ebenezer was established by a small congregation from 
Detroit's Colored Society under the leadership of Rev. Gee C. Booth on 
November 2, 1871, to serve as a safe harbor for newly freed slaves in 
Detroit. Rev C.H. Ward served as the first pastor for 25 years. Three 
pastors from Ebenezer were elected to the office of Bishop of the 
African Methodist Episcopal Church--Bishop George W. Baber served as 
pastor from 1933 until he was elected in 1944; Bishop Hubert Robison 
served as pastor from 1955 until he was elected in 1964; and Bishop 
Robert Thomas, Jr. served as pastor from 1972 until 1988. More 
recently, Rev. Robert L. Phillips, who served as pastor from 1991 until 
1997, became presiding elder of the north district of the Michigan 
Annual Conference in 1997.
  Throughout its history, Ebenezer served as an institution fully 
engaged in the fight for civil and human rights. Ebenezer has also 
worked with the community to make Detroit a better city through 
outreach ministries, community involvement and financial investments. 
In 1901, the church provided financial assistance to Henry Ford when he 
approached Ebenezer for support of endeavors to develop his automobile 
company. During the Depression, the church established an employment 
bureau and relief agency for families in need, and during WWII the 
congregation housed soldiers in the dorms of the former church 
building. Because of this rich history, in 2003, Ebenezer African 
Methodist Episcopal Church was designated a historical site by the 
Detroit Historical Commission.
  Today, Ebenezer strives to continue this rich history through a 
variety of ministries, including programs for young adults and the 
homeless, as well as substance abuse and prison ministries. Ebenezer 
African Methodist Episcopal Church continues to stand as a ``stone of 
help'' under the leadership of Rev. Dr. H. Michael Lemmons. As the 
sixth oldest Black congregation in Detroit with members from four or 
more generations, Ebenezer is full of memories of great historical 
moments and faith that there are many more to come.
  I know my Senate colleagues will join me in congratulating Ebenezer 
African Methodist Episcopal Church and wish its members, volunteers and 
ministerial staff continued success as they celebrate their 135th 
anniversary.

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