[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16807]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       RECOGNIZING THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF DANVILLE, VIRGINIA

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. THOMAS S.P. PERRIELLO

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 26, 2009

  Mr. PERRIELLO. Madam Speaker, today I recognize the First Baptist 
Church of Danville, Virginia, which celebrates its 175th anniversary on 
June 28, 2009. Since its founding in 1834, the First Baptist Church has 
been a source of fellowship, education, and service in its community 
and beyond.
  Although the First Baptist Church has suffered from a terrible fire, 
moved its location several times, seen the town it serves grow from 
1,000 to almost 50,000, and faced countless other changes throughout 
its long history, it remains true to its founding principles. Under the 
leadership of Reverend Stephen Cook, today the church is a community of 
strong relationships, where individuals bond over worship, meals, 
study, and music. Their affinity extends beyond just Sunday mornings to 
include weekly dinners, small group meetings, choirs and instrumental 
ensembles, programs for seniors and children, cultural outings, and 
engagement in the larger community through service.
  I commend the First Baptist Church and its leadership on this 
commitment to hands-on service, whether locally, elsewhere in our 
nation, or abroad. The church has stated, ``When our worship together 
ends, our service truly begins,'' and it has undoubtedly abided by this 
principle. The numerous organizations that have benefitted from the 
dedication and generosity of the church's congregants include Hope 
Harbor, Hope Tree Family Services, God's Storehouse, Klothes 4 Kids, 
the Danville Homeless Shelter, Habitat for Humanity, and Baptist World 
Aid. The efforts of the First Baptist Church to live out its mission in 
its works are an inspiring example: we should all strive to be so 
diligent in following the call to love and serve our fellow man.
  The Book of Isaiah tells us, ``And if you give yourself to the 
hungry, and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then your light will 
rise in darkness, and your gloom will become like midday.'' I 
congratulate the First Baptist Church on its tireless efforts to meet 
both the physical and spiritual needs of the Danville community, and I 
hope that its light will continue to shine for many years to come.

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