[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 20]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 28061]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO ``MOUNT CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH'' ON THEIR 90TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 23, 2007

  Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, it is with great honor and enthusiasm that 
I rise to congratulate Mount Calvary Baptist Church as they join 
together in celebration of their 90th Anniversary. They will be 
celebrating his very momentous and joyous occasion with a banquet held 
on October 20th, 2007.
  The Mount Calvary has a very rich history that has given it life and 
longevity for the past 90 years. It all began in the late summer of 
1916. Mr. Sterling Grayson Jr. along with 2 other colleagues, Reverend 
William Lilly and Reverend Young, sat among each other and through 
conversation, the idea was born in the mind of Mr. Grayson to plan and 
organize a Missionary Baptist Church. In September of that year, at 
Thomas Chapel, located at 91 West 134th Street, the idea of the 3 men 
came to fruition.
  Mr. Sterling Grayson, Jr., who at the time was a college student, 
turned over the officiating of the church to his father, Reverend 
Sterling Grayson, Sr. Through names submitted by the new church 
congregation and pastor, Reverend Grayson Sr.'s submission of Mount 
Calvary Baptist Church is chosen and he becomes known as the author of 
the official name of the church on September 27th, 1917. Mount Calvary 
continues to flourish at its new location of 231 West 142nd Street in 
my district.
  From its modest beginning, Mount Calvary Baptist Church has emerged 
as a cornerstone of the community. Under the guidance of Reverend Dr. 
Adolph Roberts, Jr., Mount Calvary continues to thrive, both in terms 
of spiritual growth as well as practical improvements. The proud 
members of the church are thankful for the spiritual and emotional 
leadership he and the previous pastors have provided during the years.
  Reverend Dr. Adolph Roberts, Jr. was installed as pastor of the 
church in April of 1983. Though he is dedicated to his congregants, he 
has never limited his time and love for his family. Reverend Dr. Adolph 
Roberts, Jr. and his wife of 43 years, Victoria, have 1 son, Anthony 
and 3 grandchildren. He is a scholar and a veteran of the Korean War, 
where he served with the 82nd Airborne Infantry Division.
  The 90th Anniversary Worship Service and Celebration Week began on 
Monday, October 15th, 2007, with the Friendship Baptist Church Family 
and Pastor James A. Kilgore. On Saturday, October 20th, 2007, there 
will be an evening of love and appreciation at the Alhambra Ballroom 
Banquet in my district where Reverend Dr. James Forbes will be the 
guest speaker. The celebration banquet will include with church 
services on Sunday, October 21, 2007, with the Mount Calvary Baptist 
Church Family of Savannah, Georgia, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me 
in honoring and congratulating Mount Calvary Baptist Church on their 
historic 90th Anniversary. Their constant dedication, commitment, and 
spiritual guidance is worthy of the highest commendation.

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