[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16976]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF NEW PROVIDENCE MISSIONARY BAPTIST 
                                 CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. KENDRICK B. MEEK

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 28, 2010

  Mr. MEEK of Florida. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the 50th 
anniversary of New Providence Missionary Baptist Church in Miami, 
Florida. Since its inception, the Church has stood in the community as 
a symbol of perseverance and inspiration. This anniversary of New 
Providence Missionary Baptist Church marks a time of remembrance of a 
storied past and renewal for a bright future.
  On October 4, 1960, the late Reverend C. J. Burney organized New 
Providence Missionary Baptist Church with a membership totaled at 376 
members. After 23 years, Rev. Burney retired in November 1983. On 
December 8, 1983, Rev. James Walthour became the Pastor of New 
Providence. He served and led the Church faithfully until he passed on 
September 6, 2001. Rev. Vinson Davis became the interim Pastor on July 
25, 2002. He was elected to be the Pastor of New Providence and was 
installed on September 15, 2002. For the last eight years Pastor Davis 
has followed his motto and vision for New Providence Missionary Baptist 
Church--``The Spirit of Oneness.''
  Madam Speaker, please join me in applauding and honoring New 
Providence Missionary Baptist Church as it celebrates 50 years of 
dedicated fellowship. Throughout the past 50 years, the clergy and 
members have dedicated themselves to providing spirituality, service 
and guidance to the Church and greater community of South Florida. New 
Providence is a model for our community and our Nation. New Providence 
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 New Providence 
Missionary Baptist Church continues to stand as a beacon of resolve, 
inspiration and worship for many years to come.

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