[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 10931]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 COMMEMORATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PILGRIM VALLEY MISSIONARY 
                             BAPTIST CHURCH

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                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 21, 2008

  Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 100th 
anniversary of the Pilgrim Valley Missionary Baptist Church in Fort 
Worth, Texas. The church, which was organized in 1908 in a three-room 
house by Reverend James Hardeman, has grown and become a candescent 
light in the community.
  The congregation, which was originally located on Orr Street, has 
several times outgrown their buildings and therefore several moves have 
been required. The church is now located on South Riverside Drive. For 
years, Pilgrim Valley Missionary Baptist Church has had an open-door 
policy towards the entire community, which has surely led to its 
continual growth in membership.
  The church has been a cornerstone of the African-American community, 
providing a comprehensive drug abuse prevention program called Pilgrim 
Valley People Against Drugs, or PAD. The church has also provided 
sustenance for the needy, mentoring programs for the local children of 
the community, clothing giveaways, and college scholarships to its 
members seeking higher education.
  Through the difficult times and the good times, Pilgrim Valley 
Missionary Baptist Church has always been a welcoming home for many in 
Fort Worth. Those who sacrifice their own needs for others are of the 
utmost moral excellence, and this church and its congregation are the 
epitome of selfless.
  Madam Speaker, today I extend my sincere congratulations to the 
Pilgrim Valley Missionary Baptist Church and their continual outreach 
towards the community. I would also like to thank the recently retired 
Reverend W. G. Daniels for his 36-year devotion and service to the 
church. It is an honor to represent such a civic minded organization 
and individuals the 26th Congressional District of Texas.

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