[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 8551-8552]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              GRACE APOSTOLIC CHURCH'S 65 YEARS OF SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BILLY LONG

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 6, 2012

  Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of Grace Apostolic 
Church's 65 years of service in the community of Joplin, Missouri.
  Grace Apostolic Church was founded in 1947, by the late Irving Baxter 
Sr. It was originally located at 16th and Pearl Street. In 1948, an 
Army chapel was picked from Fort Crowder and moved to the location on 
15th and Pearl, where the church remained until 1967. In 1957, Reverend 
William J Garrett assumed the pastorship.
  In 1966, land was acquired at 2601 Connecticut, where the new 
facility was built. The new building at 26th and Connecticut was 
dedicated in 1967 and Elder William Garrett

[[Page 8552]]

served as Pastor for 52 years. In 2009, Dr. Gary W. Garrett assumed 
pastoral duties.
  A major remodeling project was started by Pastor Garrett and has 
transformed this property.
  Grace Apostolic Church has impacted the Joplin area for 65 years and 
is a purpose-driven church. The vision of Grace Church is to help 
people, restore lives and families, and help meet the needs of the 
families that are hurting.
  On May 22, 2011, Grace Church became a refuge for many who sought 
shelter, just minutes before the storm ravaged the city. Having been 
blessed by God and escaping the full impact of the storm, Grace Church 
stood and continually provided shelter, food, and encouragement to 
those in need.
  Grace Church has an illustrious history of 65 years of service in 
Joplin, and has provided spiritual guidance for thousands of people 
spanning nearly seven decades. Grace Church has been blessed to serve 
Joplin and the surrounding communities.

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