[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 13458]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING BROWNSVILLE 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 
Brownsville Missionary Baptist Church for exemplifying the importance 
of resolute faith, persistence, and ultimately perseverance in the face 
of many historical adversities, consequently serving as a model for 
others within the Baptist community.
  The beginning of the initial foundation was formed under the guidance 
of Reverend Nelson in 1862, thus sparking the beginning of Brownsville 
Beaureau Colored Church. Brownsville Beaureau Colored Church began its 
initial foundation at the intersection of Highway 22 and Bolton-
Brownsville Road, north of the site it now stands. Preaching services 
were held at Beulah Memorial Baptist Church (now named Brownsville 
Beulah Baptist Church). Reverend Nelson conducted services for both 
congregations (black and white), when Brownsville's shared the church. 
Service was conducted in the morning for Beulah's congregation and the 
evening for Brownsville's.
  A ``brush harbor'' was erected on the land purchased during the 
period of growth and separation. The land the present church is on, is 
recorded to have been bought on March 18, 1862. The members worshipped 
and held service faithfully under the brush harbor structure, thus, 
history continued to be made and the initial foundation set forth. 
Because limitations of space and format necessitated the need for even 
more land, additional land was purchased in April 1890.
  Since the earlier days of the church beginnings, many events have 
occurred in the life of the church and its members. The church has been 
rebuilt, expanded several times, and the latest remodeling consisted of 
renovation of the sanctuary after the ceiling collapsed in August 2005. 
The church underwent its first major renovation in 1968 under the 
leadership of Reverend L.M. Robinson. With the renovation of the church 
came a number of other construction projects that ultimately enhanced 
the church and solidify it as a concrete fixture of spiritual guidance 
within the community. Among those additions were construction of a 
kitchen, a baptismal pool, a handicap accessible ramp, additional 
bathrooms, paving of the parking area, refinishing of the church pews, 
replacement of sanctuary windows, and completion of the Fellowship 
Hall.
  Members of the Brownsville Missionary Baptist Church congregation are 
tirelessly committed to maintaining a solid foundation for spiritual 
growth within their church home and community. A number of church 
auxiliaries and committees have been established through the 146-year 
existence of the church, which includes the Benevolent committee, 
Brotherhood, Beautification, Bible Class, BTU (training of Christian 
values to the members that strengthen earthly lives), Cemetery, Mission 
Society, Praise Teams, and Brownsville Review.
  During Brownsville's 146 years of existence, the church has been 
under the leadership of 21 pastors. Little is known of the lives of the 
earlier pastors, but the effectiveness of their work is evidenced by 
the fact that the church has survived and developed through the years. 
The most notable pastor was Reverend Eddie Gibson. Pastor Gibson' 
ministry is characterized by his gift of compassion and his concern for 
individual growth and for each member of the congregation. He 
faithfully served the church for 20 years. Currently Minister Stanley 
Garner serves as leader of this magnificent congregation.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing 
Brownsville Missionary Baptist Church in its commitment to remain 
grounded in the true traditions of the Baptist doctrine within the 
Bolton community.

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