[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 20]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 28465]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   ANNIVERSARY OF THE ANTIOCH MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH IN DECATUR, 
                                ILLINOIS

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                             HON. PHIL HARE

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 25, 2007

  Mr. HARE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 150th 
anniversary of the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Decatur, 
Illinois.
  The beginning of the church was the idea of Maria Carr, 
affectionately known as ``Grandma Carr,'' who in 1854 escaped slavery 
through the Underground Railroad and settled in Decatur, Illinois. 
Grandma Carr, along with Mrs. Gilbert Vernon and Mrs. Emily Stains held 
weekly prayer meetings at their homes with the goal of establishing a 
local community church based on the principles of equality and civil 
rights.
  With the help of Captain David L. Allen, a white Christian, their 
wish came true. He offered a small frame building to the church group 
and officially donated ownership of the land in 1858. The first pastor 
of Antioch was Reverend Tom Reasoner.
  With simple beginnings, the church developed a rich history of 
diversity and faith. The Antioch Church housed the first school for 
black citizens in Decatur. Later, the church was blessed by a faithful 
servant named Reverend Dr. Turner who led the congregation from 1965 
until his death in 1995. During the 30 years of his service, Reverend 
Turner established a free food bank and clothing room, which continue 
to serve needy families in the community today. Reverend Turner also 
opened a local extension of the United Theological Seminary through 
which many ministers in Decatur and in neighboring cities earned their 
bachelor's and master's degrees in theology.
  I am deeply honored to represent the Antioch Missionary Baptist 
Church and congratulate its congregation for 150 years of service. The 
strong faith and history of Antioch will no doubt continue to serve the 
Decatur community for another 150 years, and remind us of the values of 
diversity and public service upon which it was established.

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