[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 3119]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    TRIBUTE TO THE 162ND ANNIVERSARY OF METROPOLITAN AME ZION CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 4, 2008

  Mr. PAYNE. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of 
Representatives to join me as I rise to acknowledge the Metropolitan 
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Jersey City, New Jersey, on 
the celebration of its 162nd anniversary. Metropolitan AME Zion Church, 
established in 1846, has a long and rich history as the oldest African-
American congregation in Jersey City.
  Metropolitan AME Zion Church grew out of the John Street Methodist 
Church, established in 1796 near the African Burial Ground National 
Monument in New York City. Since its founding in Jersey City 19 years 
before the United States abolished slavery, the church has occupied 
several locations in Jersey City and thrived under the leadership of a 
long line of dedicated pastors.
  On March 27, 1968, Metropolitan hosted Reverend Dr. Martin Luther 
King, Jr., for what would be one of his final speeches. He addressed an 
overflow crowd of more than 2,000 people promoting his ``Poor People's 
march on Washington.''
  The deep history of Metropolitan AME Zion Church is a story of strong 
faith and passionate work on behalf of the surrounding community. 
Theirs is a journey that we hope will continue for many years to come. 
I am pleased to congratulate the Metropolitan Church and its current 
pastor Reverend Nathaniel B. Legay on this momentous occasion.
  Madam Speaker, I know my colleagues join me in wishing the 
Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church of Jersey City a 
joyous anniversary and best wishes for the future.

                          ____________________