[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 13457]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING FRIENDSHIP MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 11, 2013

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Friendship Missionary Baptist Church for their unwavering resiliency 
and unity in continuing to spread the Gospel among members of their 
congregation and community for over 143 years.
  Since its beginnings in early spring of 1870, the church has had a 
number of spiritually led pastors who, through the years, have helped 
the congregation grow in number and in spiritual knowledge. Among the 
ministers who have led the congregation were Reverend James Williams, 
Reverend A.H. Davis, Reverend H.W. Scott, Reverend S.S. Butler, 
Reverend W.P. Whitfield, Reverend Curtis L. West, and Reverend McKinley 
K. Nelson.
  In March 1965, the congregation elected Reverend Bobby Burks as their 
leader. Under Reverend Nelson, the church underwent significant 
changes, ultimately leading to impressive growth in many different 
areas. During Pastor Burks' leadership, the church saw a considerable 
growth in membership, implementation of prayer meetings and bible 
class, youth ministry, sick and shut-in ministry, fellowship breakfast, 
Praise Team group, and an annual church trip and picnic. In addition to 
implanting a number of new activities for the membership, Pastor Burks 
was also instrumental in establishing numerous ministries.
  With such growth in activities and membership, the church deemed it 
necessary to expand to accommodate the increase members. Many physical 
improvements to the church were made from 2003 through 2007. Completion 
of a handicap accessible sidewalk and rails, new bathrooms added near 
the front entrance of the church, addition of a public address and 
security system, construction of the Family Life Center, and the 
furnishing of the church's finance room with a copier, computer, fax, 
and binding machine all took place as a result of a 249+ increase in 
membership.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Friendship 
Missionary Baptist Church in its commitment to remain grounded in the 
true traditions of the Baptist doctrine within the Edwards community.

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