[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 23]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 31929]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


TRIBUTE TO THE 140TH ANNIVERSARY OF BETHEL AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL 
                                 CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 15, 2007

  Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Bethel African 
Methodist Episcopal Church as it commemorates its 140th anniversary. 
The church will hold a celebration on Sunday, December 2 in Saginaw, 
Michigan.
  In 1867 Mr. and Mrs. Allen Ford, Mr. and Mrs. William Countee, Mrs. 
Martha Campbell, Mr. and Mrs. William Peterson, Mrs. Ellen Foote, Mrs. 
Ganns, Mr. and Mrs. Henry VanDyke, Mrs. Martha Brown, Mrs. Debora 
Johnson, and Mr. William Augustus organized the Bethel African 
Methodist Episcopal Church. The first church services were held at the 
Ford home but as the congregation grew, the members looked to find a 
larger place to hold worship services. Over the next 10 years the 
congregation moved from place to place until in 1877 a building was 
purchased and renovated to give the church a permanent home. During the 
following years the congregation continued to grow, and the church 
relocated several times until it broke ground in October 1966 on the 
current sanctuary. After the church was dedicated in 1967, the 
congregation built a lounge, kitchen, fellowship hall, and classrooms. 
In 1978 construction on a conference room, mall, credit union, day 
care, communion room, mini chapel, and offices for the pastor and 
secretary was completed. The strength and influence of Bethel AME 
continued to grow, and a second center was opened at Crossings 
Apartment Complex in 1997.
  Reverend P. David Saunders was assigned as pastor in June 1997. The 
church has active senior citizens and retirees programs, a missionary 
department and a youth department. The Bible study program attracts 
persons from throughout Saginaw County. Under Reverend Saunders's 
leadership the church is moving forward and looking to provide housing 
for the elderly and handicapped.
  Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in 
congratulating Bethel AME Church for 140 years of worship, prayer and 
service to the Saginaw community. The church's motto is ``Love Conquers 
All'' and the clergy, staff and congregation strive daily to live these 
words. May they continue to spread the good news of Jesus Christ for 
many, many more years.

                          ____________________