[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14905]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




ON THE OCCASION OF THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF NEW LIBERTY BAPTIST 
                      CHURCH OF DETROIT, MICHIGAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. GARY C. PETERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 1, 2013

  Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
congregation of New Liberty Baptist Church of Detroit, Michigan as it 
celebrates seventy-five years of fellowship and service in its 
community.
  New Liberty was founded in 1938 by a small and dedicated group of 
Detroit residents who sought a local house of worship where they join 
together in spiritual fellowship with their neighbors. From its humble 
beginnings, the congregation of New Liberty has grown and prospered 
with increasing membership and more outreach programs. In its mission 
to serve the Detroit community, the congregation of New Liberty has 
called many sites home, but regardless of its location, the members of 
New Liberty have never wavered from their determination to help their 
friends and neighbors. In its seventy-five year history, New Liberty 
has had just four pastors: its first pastor, Reverend J.B. Coates; 
Reverend E.A. Rundless; Reverend J.L. Stevenson and currently, Reverend 
Maurice Stimage, Jr. Together with his First Lady, Renita, Pastor 
Stimage has been providing spiritual guidance and leadership to the 
congregation of New Liberty since his arrival in 2006.
  New Liberty has been dedicated to service, even when it requires 
sacrifice. Throughout its history, the congregation of New Liberty has 
not only worked to obtain a stronger spiritual bond, but also reached 
out into the Greater Detroit community to strengthen it and support 
residents that are in-need. To carry out its mission, the congregation 
has created many ministries that assist members and the broader 
community with a wide range of issues from bereavement and arts 
programs to youth empowerment and support of senior citizens. Through 
its commitment to service, the congregation of New Liberty has been 
able to impact the lives of so many people in Southeast Michigan and 
improved the vitality of the community.
  Mr. Speaker, over its seventy-five year history, the congregation of 
New Liberty Baptist Church has been true to the tenants of the Baptist 
faith and service. At a time when face such significant economic 
challenges, congregations like New Liberty are on the front lines, 
holding neighborhoods together and caring for the community at large. I 
congratulate Pastor and First Lady Stimage, as well as the congregation 
of New Liberty on achieving this great milestone in their church's 
history and wish them success as they continue to make a difference in 
the lives of others in the Greater Detroit region.

                          ____________________