[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15055]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF MILTON FIRST ASSEMBLY OF GOD

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 26, 2012

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States 
Congress, it is an honor for me to recognize the centennial anniversary 
of Milton First Assembly of God, in Santa Rosa County, Florida.
  Milton First Assembly of God traces its roots back to the early 
Pentecostal movements of the 20th century, when a small group of 
fervent believers came together during a tent revival meeting in 1912 
and formed the Pentecostal Assembly of God Church. The enlightening 
sermons given by Reverends Sherman McGraw and Isaac Jordan, along with 
the passionate religious conviction of early congregants like Mrs. 
Minnie Cobb, helped to draw additional members and expand the church's 
role in the community. Shortly after its founding, the church was 
forced to move from a tent to a larger permanent location to 
accommodate its growing membership.
  In 1969, the church name was officially changed to the Milton First 
Assembly of God. At this time, Pastor Fred Rogers and his wife Jackie 
assumed leadership of the congregation. Pastor and Mrs. Rogers further 
strengthened their fellowship numbers through several outreach programs 
and a successful bus ministry. After years of dedication and faith in 
our Lord, the church was able to purchase property to build the campus 
their growing faith community needed. Now, 43 years later, Pastor and 
Mrs. Rogers and Milton First Assembly of God continue to foster 
spiritual and professional growth by providing religious guidance and 
philanthropy to the church members and surrounding community.
  One hundred years after its founding, the strong moral framework and 
religious convictions of the church's original congregation continue to 
guide the church as it serves Northwest Florida. Multiple generations 
of the Santa Rosa County community have raised families while 
worshipping and rejoicing in the Word of God at Milton First Assembly 
of God, and the congregation has remained faithfully devoted to the 
Lord. Santa Rosa County is greatly indebted to their outstanding 
service.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it gives me 
great pleasure to commemorate the centennial anniversary of Milton 
First Assembly of God. My wife Vicki joins me in congratulating the 
congregation and thanking them for their service to the community. May 
the Spirit of the Lord continue to bless the church on this important 
milestone and the many to come.