[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 8963]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


 CELEBRATING 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF LAS VEGAS VICTORY MISSIONARY BAPTIST 
                                 CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SHELLEY BERKLEY

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 9, 2011

  Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 
50th Anniversary of Victory Missionary Baptist Church in Las Vegas, 
Nevada.
  On June 11, 1961, Rev. Abner J. Thompson, along with his wife, Mother 
Christine Thompson, founded the Victory Missionary Baptist Church under 
his pastorate. The Church was originally organized at the Zion United 
Methodist Church dining hall. Shortly after, a permanent place of 
worship was established on the west side of Las Vegas.
  Under Reverend Thompson's leadership, several area families 
cultivated this newly formed church. From the earliest beginnings, the 
church and its choir became well known throughout Las Vegas and in 
other parts of the country. As the church continued to grow, the 
congregation outgrew the original location. Between 1981 and 1984, the 
pastor and families made plans to construct a new sanctuary that would 
include an education building, kitchen, dining area and Sunday school.
  After 35 years of ministering, Reverend Thompson retired in February 
1996. That following November, Dr. Robert E. Fowler, Sr., from Lawton, 
Oklahoma was installed as pastor. In 1998, Pastor Fowler outlined a 
plan for Victory Missionary Baptist Church that included a clear vision 
for the church. Within a year, membership grew more than 200 percent 
from previous years. Victory Missionary Baptist Church was a ``Church 
on the Move'' and acquired the entire block where it is now located. 
These acquisitions were historic, as this was the first church on the 
west side of Las Vegas.
  In 2003, Victory Missionary Baptist Church looked outward and focused 
on improving the community with programs designed to provide 
stimulation for the physical and recreational needs of the members. The 
health education ministry provided free health screenings and health 
education programs to the community at no cost, directly benefiting 
over 600 people.
  In 2005, the church renewed its focus on Christian improvement, with 
Pastor Fowler instructing various ministries on how to better 
evangelize and become leaders in the church. In 2006 and 2007, the 
church went through a paradigm shift, with the ministries growing and 
adding new meaning and new challenges for the congregation.
  In 2009, the church expanded its focus on vision and voice. The goal 
for the year was to challenge the congregation on a personal and 
spiritual level. While the national and local economies remained 
unsteady, this focus ensured the congregation that their positive 
relationship with God would remain unwavering.
  As the Representative for Nevada's First Congressional District, I 
proudly recognize Victory Missionary Baptist Church for 50 years of 
dedicated service to the community of Las Vegas. Victory Missionary 
Baptist Church continues to be a beacon of light for its members and 
the community as a whole. I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating 
Victory Missionary Baptist Church's 50th Anniversary.

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