[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 21552-21553]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        TRIBUTE TO FIRST AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL ZION CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 14, 2009

  Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, I would like to call to your attention 
the work of an outstanding religious institution, the First African 
Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Paterson, New Jersey, which is 
celebrating its 175th Anniversary of dedicated service to its members, 
and by extension, the greater community.
  It is only fitting that the First African Methodist Episcopal Zion 
Church in Paterson be honored in this, the permanent record of the 
greatest democracy ever known, for the spiritual home it has provided 
to its members, and to the greater Paterson community that helps keep 
this deeply rooted Church family growing towards the future.
  The documented history of the First African Methodist Episcopal Zion 
Church begins in 1834, making it the oldest Black Church in Passaic 
County. The first Pastor in Charge of what was then the Paterson A.M.E. 
Zion Church was Rev. William Serrington, and he reported 22 members. 
They built a church on Godwin Street and adopted the name of Zion 
Methodist Episcopal Church, affiliating with the Zion Methodist 
Episcopal Connection. By 1836, the membership had grown to 26. The next 
documents report in 1845, that Rev. George Gernet was Pastor in Charge. 
In 1846, the Trustees of the Church deeded property on Godwin Street, 
and contracted to have a church built. They leased a nearby home for 
the minister.
  In 1847, the Pastor in Charge, Rev. Vanhass, serving as the first 
minister of the Godwin Street A.M.E. Zion Church, reported a membership 
of 13 people. Nine more ministers would succeed Rev. Vanhass over the 
next five decades. In 1889, during the pastorate of Rev. White, a great 
revival coupled with the failure of the Bethel A.M.E. Church in 
Paterson added 105 more people to the congregation. The next Pastor was 
Rev. Anderson, whose plans to build a new edifice led to

[[Page 21553]]

the demolition of the Godwin Street Church. He was soon transferred, 
and the task of raising funds for a new building fell to Rev. Blalock, 
which was completed in 1897. Five other pastors followed before Rev. 
Williams was appointed in May of 1911. He led the congregation in the 
purchase of the current site in 1915, but the building was destroyed by 
fire in 1921. Rev. Donawa led the construction of a parsonage, and then 
in 1924, Rev. Cole erected the church which the congregation still 
worships in today.
  Keeping the name of the Godwin Street A.M.E. Zion the church now 
stood on the corner of Summer and Ellison Streets. It was led through 
this period by Rev. Robeson, then Rev. Cowan, and then Rev. Taylor who 
later became the Bishop. In 1945, the mortgage was paid off and the 
name of the church changed to First A.M.E. Zion.
  During the pastorate of Rev. Roberts, a conflict resulted in a 
separation. and sonic congregants left him to establish the New A.M.E. 
Zion Church, also located in Paterson. A building fund started by Rev. 
Mapp left the Church with over $11,000 in the Treasury, and then Rev. 
Richardson led a renovation of the sanctuary and auditorium and 
property was purchased for a parking lot. Two choirs, the Young Voices 
of Zion and the Zionaires Gospel Chorus, were organized. Rev. Flowers 
led the renovation and refurnishing of the Parsonage. Rev. Tate was 
credited with inspiring many to restore their membership and with 
enhancing the administration of the Church, and Rev. Collins built on 
that by establishing a centralized treasury for more efficient 
management.
  In 1991, Rev. Dr. Maven was appointed as Pastor. In the fall of that 
year, a new parsonage was purchased and the old one was converted into 
church offices and meeting space. Soon, a 15 passenger van was 
purchased, and the sanctuary renovated with the installation of new 
carpet, padding of pews and a new sound system. Slate roofs were 
replaced and the parking lot resurfaced.
  Dr. Maven has led the establishment of many ministries, like the food 
pantry and clothing bank, a substance abuse support program, Holiday 
Baskets for the needy and meals for seniors. In 1995, the Alfreida Van 
Rensalier Memorial Scholarship was established, and has awarded more 
than $75,000 in scholarships to college-bound Paterson students. The 
First Church CDC, now known as Zion CDC, also began in 1995. It 
cosponsored the development of housing for persons with disabilities 
and acquired property for future growth. It was awarded a grant in 1996 
to provide First-Time Homebuyer Counseling services and continues to 
provide this service along with foreclosure counseling. Dr. Maven also 
founded the Paterson Family Success Center in 2006. Housed in the 
Paterson YMCA, it offers programs, information and referral services to 
strengthen families. To enhance the spiritual growth and development of 
the membership, the First Church Christian Training Academy was founded 
in 1996. Wednesday Worship, a non-traditional contemporary worship 
service, was started in 2007. Children's Church was also organized.
  Dr. Maven's ministry and involvement have not gone unnoticed by the 
community nor by the A.M.E. Zion Church Denomination, and he is deeply 
involved in both. He is presently the longest serving tenured Pastor in 
the 175-year history of the First Church.
  The job of a United States Congressman involves much that is 
rewarding, yet nothing compares to learning about and recognizing the 
efforts of a wonderful, thriving community like the First African 
Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Paterson.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that you join all of the members and clergy of 
the First African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Paterson, all 
those whose faith has been enriched throughout the years, and me in 
recognizing the outstanding contributions of the First African 
Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Paterson to the church community and 
beyond.

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