[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 20326-20327]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING 100TH ANNIVERSARY FOR 31ST STREET BAPTIST CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. ROBERT C. ``BOBBY'' SCOTT

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 16, 2015

  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the members 
of the 31st Street Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia on their 100th 
anniversary.
  During the turn of the last century, African Americans continued to 
face significant oppression and discrimination. In 1895, despite the 
adversity facing the Black community, African American Baptist Churches 
came together to form the National Baptist Convention of the United 
States to strengthen and unify Baptist Churches. Today, it is the 
largest predominately Black Christian denomination in the United 
States.
  The 31st Street Baptist Church grew out of this movement and was 
consecrated in 1915. The church quickly established itself as a leading 
voice in the Richmond community and its congregation rapidly grew. 
Members were active in the community and encouraged to attend the 
historic March on Washington in 1963. Sadly in 1966, the church 
structure was burned down. But out of the ashes, 31st Street Baptist 
Church persevered and its current sanctuary was built.
  From 1982 to 2007, Reverend Darrel Rollins led the church. Under his 
leadership the church prospered even further. The congregation grew 
from 150 to 1,300 and the church added more than 50 new ministries. 
These ministries included assistance to seniors, nutrition assistance, 
and a consortium of three sister churches. Today, the Church feeds 70 
to 250 people a day during the summer in the East End community. The 
physical building of the church has also grown and has become 
accessible to all.

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  More recently, the 31st Baptist Church was recognized by the Tricycle 
Gardens, a nonprofit working to expand access to healthy foods in 
Richmond, with the Golden Trowel award for the church's community 
garden that contributes to the food available at their soup kitchen. 
The garden has continued to grow under Rev. Dr. Morris Henderson's 
leadership and has even received a farm serial number from the U.S. 
Department of Agriculture. The First Lady's Let's Move! Initiative has 
also recognized the church and its urban farm for its positive impact 
on the community. This unique garden is just one of the many ways that 
31st Baptist Church has served and enriched the Richmond community.
  Mr. Speaker, as the 31st Street Baptist Church of Richmond, Virginia 
celebrates this historic anniversary, the congregation can rejoice in 
100 years of fellowship and service to the Richmond community. I wish 
them many more years of joy and dedicated service to the community.

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