[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15878]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF GREATER BEALLWOOD BAPTIST CHURCH'S 139TH ANNIVERSARY

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                      HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 7, 2015

  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor and pleasure to 
extend my sincere congratulations to the congregation of Greater 
Beallwood Baptist Church in Columbus, Georgia as they celebrate a 
remarkable 139 years. An anniversary celebration will be held on 
Sunday, October 11, 2015 at 2:30 p.m. at the church in Columbus. The 
event will also be an opportunity to welcome Reverend Adrian J. Chester 
as the church's new pastor.
  Greater Beallwood Baptist Church traces its roots back to the post-
Civil War era in 1876, when Beallwood Baptist Church was first 
organized under the leadership of Reverend Boston Miles and Deacon 
Albert Harper.
  Over the years, the church would see many outstanding leaders but 
perhaps the most noteworthy were Reverend I.S.H. Allen, who served 
sixteen fruitful years from 1920 until his passing in 1936, and 
Reverend James Carter Cook, who served for four decades as the church 
grew and flourished tremendously.
  In addition to the achievements of pastors, many laymen have also 
made significant contributions to the life of the church. In 1905, 
Deacon Eddie Borders became chairman of the Board of Deacons and served 
for over fifty years. The church would see many more dedicated citizen 
leaders, men and women, called to serve all the way into the 21st 
century.
  In 1956, Beallwood Baptist Church became incorporated and the name 
was changed to Greater Beallwood Baptist Church, Inc. A growing church 
membership at Greater Beallwood meant pastors had a larger flock to 
shepherd. In 1975, Greater Beallwood began meeting in worship every 
Sunday morning, rather than two Sundays out of the month. The church 
then called upon its first assistant pastor, Reverend Billy J. Carter, 
to assist in growing pastoral duties.
  In January 1987, the church was blessed when the Lord placed Reverend 
Willie L. Hill over this flock. Much was accomplished during Rev. 
Hill's twenty-eight years as pastor, including increased participation 
in the learning programs of the church, especially Sunday School and 
Bible Study. In 2010, Rev. Hill instituted Children's Church for 
children ages 5 through 12. Not only did Rev. Hill's leadership grow 
the congregation in number and in spirit, but it also was instrumental 
in the building of a new sanctuary that would accommodate the numerous 
church services and meetings.
  In 2014, God had strategically placed Reverend Adrian J. Chester as 
the church's first youth pastor. After Rev. Hill's retirement in 2015, 
Rev. Chester became the seventeenth pastor of Greater Beallwood Baptist 
Church.
  Today, Greater Beallwood is blessed to have numerous ministries and 
fellowship opportunities. Fellowship at Greater Beallwood is 
characterized by unconditional love, rich in relationship with God, 
family, and friends. The members of Greater Beallwood reflect this idea 
of fellowship throughout the community by serving those in need.
  The story of the Greater Beallwood Baptist Church, which began as a 
small group of people worshipping 139 years ago and has grown into an 
expansive and successful church, is truly an inspiring one of the 
dedication and perseverance of a faithful congregation of people who 
put all their love and trust in the Lord.
  Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 
membership of the Greater Beallwood Baptist Church in Columbus, Georgia 
for their long history of coming together through good and difficult 
times to praise and worship our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

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