[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 15881-15882]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     IN RECOGNITION OF WEHADKEE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH'S 141ST 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                      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 Wehadkee 
Missionary Baptist Church in Roanoke, Alabama as they celebrate a 
remarkable 141 years. An anniversary celebration will be held on 
Sunday, October 11, 2015.
  The Wehadkee Missionary Baptist Church is one of the oldest African-
American churches in Randolph County, Alabama. Throughout its 141-year 
history, the church has been a bridge over troubled waters for the 
African-American community of Wehadkee-High Shoals-Springfield.
  Under the name ``Perhaps,'' the church was established in 1874, just 
eleven years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation 
Proclamation. The church held its first services in a very small log 
cabin one mile south of its current location, which is 1216 County Road 
310 in Roanoke, Alabama.
  Reverend Spy Flag was the founding Pastor of the church, serving from 
1874 until approximately 1884. Between 1884 and 1918, ten ministers led 
the church: Reverend Ben Goss, Reverend Symon Vickers, Reverend Aaron 
Strong, Reverend Tom Almond, Reverend Charlie Steward, Reverend Spencer 
Beasley, Reverend A.E. Stitt, Reverend John T. Hines, Reverend A.J. 
Turner, and Reverend A.J. Green.
  From 1918 to 1972, the six pastors who led the church included 
Reverend S.A. Adamson, Reverend C.C. Terry, Reverend G.W. Sims, 
Reverend J.P. Madison, Reverend B.O. Phillips, and Reverend R.L. 
Thompson.
  In March 1973, Reverend Elijah Jackson, Jr. was called to lead the 
flock and in April 1974, the Wehadkee Missionary Baptist Church was 
incorporated. In October of that same year, Reverend Jackson presided 
over the church's first centennial celebration.
  For the past 42 years, Reverend Jackson has led the congregation with 
distinction as the longest serving Pastor of the church. His spouse, 
First Lady Farris Jackson, plays an important role in his ministry.
  Mr. Speaker, I proudly join President Obama in celebrating the 141st 
anniversary of the Wehadkee Missionary Baptist Church.

  I am pleased to join in celebrating your 141st anniversary.
  Throughout our Nation's history, places of worship have brought us 
together in the spirit of faith and love. Offering space for 
celebration in times of joy and comfort in times of uncertainty, they 
help foster a strong sense of community and call on us to meet life's 
most sacred responsibility--to give of ourselves in service to others.
  As you mark this special milestone, I hope you take pride in your 
community's commitment to faith. May the years ahead be filled with 
continued blessings.
                                                        Barack Obama.  
                                      The White House, August 28, 2015.

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