[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 19]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 27186]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    IN HONOR OF BIG BETHEL AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL (AME) CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOHN LEWIS

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 15, 2007

  Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Madam Speaker, it is an honor that I am able to 
help celebrate the 160th Anniversary of Big Bethel African Methodist 
Episcopal, AME, Church in Atlanta. For 160 years, Big Bethel AME Church 
has been a leader in the Atlanta area and a cornerstone of the 
community. Big Bethel AME Church stands as one of the oldest and most 
successful churches in Atlanta, and continues its strong community work 
today. Big Bethel's anniversary, on October 21, 2007, is truly a day 
for celebration.
  Big Bethel AME Church has a rich and remarkable history. After the 
Civil War ended slavery, Bethel Church joined the African Methodist 
Episcopal connection in 1865. The AME Church was founded by Richard 
Allen, a former slave who had purchased his freedom and started the AME 
Church partly in response to discrimination. Out of the AME church 
emerged schools, social welfare programs, character building campaigns 
and national leaders. Big Bethel AME Church was at the cutting edge of 
these programs and served as a platform for opportunity in the South, 
especially for African Americans. For example, in 1879, the Gate City 
Colored School, the first public school for African Americans in the 
city, was founded in the basement of Big Bethel. Big Bethel AME Church 
also played a key role in the early development and growth of Morris 
Brown College, with the college's first classes being held at the 
church. Throughout its history the pews of Big Bethel AME Church have 
held such eminent dignitaries as: Booker T. Washington (early 1900s), 
President William H. Taft (1911), Mary McLeod Bethune (1937), former 
Georgia governor and former President Jimmy Carter (1970), Nelson 
Mandela (1990), and, as a successful presidential candidate, William J. 
Clinton (1992).
  Over the many years, trials and tribulations, successes and honors, 
Big Bethel AME Church has withstood the test of time. Big Bethel AME 
Church has been well served throughout its history by dedicated 
leaders, and active congregations. This tradition continues today under 
Reverend Gregory V. Eason, Sr., who I would like to recognize for his 
leadership in the community.
  In conclusion, it is my belief that we must all dedicate ourselves to 
the idea of creating what Dr. Martin Luther King used to call the 
``Beloved Community.'' Big Bethel AME Church in Atlanta has been 
building such a community for 160 years and I am excited for this 
community to grow and prosper for another 160 years and beyond.

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