[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 13420]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    TRIBUTE TO SAINT JOHN'S BAPTIST CHURCH ON ITS 100TH ANNIVERSARY

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                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 21, 2009

  Mr. PAYNE. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues here in the House of 
Representatives to join me as I rise to acknowledge the St. John's 
Baptist Church of Scotch Plains, New Jersey on the celebration of its 
centennial anniversary. Established in 1909, St. John's has 
continuously served the needs of its congregation and the community.
  Throughout the illustrious history of St. John's Baptist Church, 
effective leadership has been at the core of all the accomplishments 
the church has had. Beginning with Pastor Parson and continuing with 
Pastors Gatewell, Hamlett, Sweeney, Glover and the current pastor, Rev. 
Dr. Kelmo Curtis Porter, Jr. St. John's has made many physical 
enhancements over the years. In addition to its leadership, the success 
of all of St. John's initiatives can be attributed to the faith, hope, 
commitment and prayers of the loving membership that fill the pews of 
this landmark facility. In fact, many of St. John's congregants have 
been members of the church all of their lives and some are second or 
third generation members. Clearly, this degree of devotion is 
representative of the marvelous ministries taking place within the 
church.
  A Gala being held on May 17, 2009 at Pines Manor in Edison, New 
Jersey in honor of this important milestone will feature a variety of 
distinguished supporters, ministers and friends. The theme of the 
centennial, ``100 Years Working for the Lord'' celebrates the story of 
a church deeply rooted in faith and Christian values. Those values 
include integrity, caring and preaching the word of God. St. John's is 
blessed to have a membership that is proud of its roots, passionate 
about its present and hopeful for its future.
  Madam Speaker, I know my colleagues agree that St. John's Baptist 
Church and the surrounding community have every right to be pleased 
with the lasting contributions the church has made to the residents of 
Scotch Plains. I am pleased to congratulate St. John's on its first 100 
years.

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