[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 24893]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   COMMEMORATING THE 120TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FENIMORE STREET UNITED 
                            METHODIST CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. YVETTE D. CLARKE

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 14, 2009

  Ms. CLARKE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 120th 
anniversary of the Fenimore Street United Methodist Church located in 
Flatbush, Brooklyn.
  Fenimore Street Methodist Church was incorporated on August 20th, 
1889, and admitted into the New York East Conference in April 1890 with 
Rev. James L. Hall as its first pastor.
  Over the years, Fenimore has served the people of Brooklyn as not 
only a house of worship, but as a pillar of the community. As the 
neighborhood changed, so did church patronage which culminated in 1968 
with Rev. William J. Smart becoming Fenimore's first black minister. In 
the tradition of firsts, in 2002, Rev. Dr. Maxine Nixon was named 
Fenimore's first female minister.
  Fenimore Street Methodist Church has undergone many renovations and 
weathered many challenges under the steadfast leadership of its 
pastors. Providing such services as the summer camp for neighborhood 
children and remaining a pillar of support for those who have fallen on 
hard times are just some of the ways in which Fenimore has served 
Brooklyn over the years.
  Madam Speaker, I'd like to acknowledge the very distinguished pastors 
that have poured their heart and soul into Fenimore Street United 
Methodist Church. They include: Revs. James L. Hall; C.S. Willisams; 
J.S. Bell; C.A. Knesai; H.E. Kiley; G.W. Osman; L.H. Caswell; W.G. 
Griffin; G.L. Thompson; C.C. Coile; E.J. Marvin; H.C. Whitney; Arthur 
C. Brown; James Link; John S. Smith; Dr. W.C. Sainsbury; Ward J. 
Kemenway; James Veatch; Maron Cox; William Smartt; Randolph Fisher; 
Alfred Harper; Lester Baker; Dr. Neville Buchanan; Dr. Ivan J. Roberts 
and Dr. Maxine Nixon.
  Again I'd like to congratulate and thank Fenimore Street United 
Methodist on 120 years of service to Brooklyn.

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