[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15672]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              30TH ANNIVERSARY OF KOINONIA WORSHIP CENTER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. KENDRICK B. MEEK

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 18, 2009

  Mr. MEEK of Florida. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the 30th 
anniversary of Koinonia Worship Center in Pembroke Park, Florida. Since 
its inception, the Church has stood in the community as a symbol of 
perseverance and inspiration. This anniversary of Koinonia Worship 
Center marks a time of remembrance of a storied past and renewal for a 
bright future.
  In January 1980, three families--the Jones', the Albury's and the 
Harvey's, of Carol City, Florida decided that they needed a closer walk 
with God and a deeper commitment to Jesus Christ. They began to meet on 
Monday nights for a Spirit filled Bible study at the home of Eric H. 
Jones, Jr. As the months passed, the study group increased in number 
and eventually outgrew the pastor's home. Under the leadership of 
Pastor Jones a ministry was established. A meeting was held with a 
Bible study group of West Hollywood, Florida, headed by Brother Irving 
Seymour and another Christian body from Hallandale, Florida. On June 1, 
1982, Pastor Jones was asked to be the pastor and Irving Seymour was 
asked to be the evangelist.
  The name Koinonia was suggested by Evangelist Irving Seymour. It was 
presented to the group and accepted. The membership also decided that 
the church would be a non-denominational worship center. and would be 
supported by tithes and offerings. The first services were held on June 
13, 1982, at the Ramada Inn in Hallandale, Florida. On June 16, 1982, 
the business meeting was held at the home of Deacon Albury in Miami, 
Florida. The decisions on the Articles of Faith, the Church's 
constitution, bylaws, covenant and officers were made at the meeting.
  The church's officers were: Pastor, Eric H. Jones, Jr.; Chairman of 
Deacons, Arnold Albury; Secretary, Elois Seymour; Clerk, Beverly Parks; 
Sunday School Superintendent, Irving Seymour; Minister of Education, 
Rosita Albury; Assistant Minister of Education, Bloneva Jones; 
Treasurer, Sonja Harvey; and Usher, Tyrone Pitts.
  Koinonia began with 18 charter members, has moved from various 
locations, has grown to a membership of over 6,000, operates seven days 
a week, and has 27 ministries. Some of the ministries include: Prison, 
More Than Conquerors, Christian Men of Destiny, Women of Vision, 
Reaching Hands, and Economic Empowerment. Koinonia is known for 
reaching out to the oppressed, developing programs for the socially and 
economically outcast and presents a unique and clear methodology for 
salvation.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in applauding and honoring Koinonia 
Worship Center as it celebrates 30 years of dedicated fellowship. 
Throughout the past 30 years, the clergy and members have dedicated 
themselves to providing spirituality, service and guidance to the 
Church and greater community of South Florida. Koinonia is a model for 
our community and our Nation. Koinonia has never wavered from the 
ministry of saving lost souls, preaching the gospel, feeding the 
hungry, helping the homeless, and reaching out and renewing the spirit 
of neighbors in need. It is my hope Koinonia continues to stand as a 
beacon of resolve, inspiration and worship for many years to come.

                          ____________________