[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 8627]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING PLEASANT GREEN MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 3, 2015

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
pillar of the community, Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church. 
Pleasant Green M.B. Church has served as a catalyst for the African 
American growth in Warren County.
  Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church was established in 1867 in a 
mess hall on Pearl Street. The first church was destroyed by a storm in 
1869 and another church was built in 1869 under Rev. Jim Shaw. The 
church relocated to its present site in 1888 with the construction of a 
wood-framed structure for worship, which subsequently burned. A new 
brick structure was constructed under Rev. Dunham and Deacon Ragan, 
both professional brick masons.
  In 1893, the church called Rev. Oscar Williams--a mighty man of God, 
soul-stirring preacher, revivalist, earnest and tireless worker--as its 
seventh pastor, who organized the church into working ministries with 
assistance from Deacons: Jack Lindsey, Johnny Young, George Ely, Saul 
Moore, Dan Scott, Ed Brackins, and Jim Shaw. The final church structure 
was completed under Rev. Williams' leadership in 1898 and the 
membership increased to over 800 congregants.
  In 1910, under the leadership of Rev. G. W. Alexander, a two-story 
hall was erected and the usher board was organized with the first 
ushers being Will Moore, Henry Tucker, and Fink Taylor.
  In 1922, under the pastorship of Rev. Frank Williams, the pipe organ 
was installed, concrete steps replaced wooden steps, electric lights 
replaced gas lights, and a water cooler was added. Also, the two story 
fellowship hall was replaced with the current structure, a heat furnace 
was added, and the communion table presently used was obtained.
  In 1939, under the shepherding of Rev.
L. R. Chandler, a new roof for the church and fellowship hall were 
completed, the exterior of the church and fellowship hall was restored, 
a baptismal pool and new hardwood floors were added, and the choir 
stand were extended.
  In 1969, after 29 years of faithful service, Rev. Chandler resigned 
due to health issues, and Rev. F. L. Barnes was called as pastor and 
oversaw the installation of air conditioning and carpeted floors.
  In March 1982, after the passing of Rev. Barnes, Rev. Alvin G. Walker 
was called to serve as pastor. Under his leadership, new land was 
purchased; new doors for the front of the church and basement were 
installed; usher, finance and communion rooms were constructed, and 
handrails were added.
  In November 2013, after other faithful servants of the gospel 
ministry had served, Rev. Jefforey Stafford was called as pastor. It is 
his vision that Pleasant Green ``Exalt Christ Crucified and Coming 
Again, Embrace Community with Care, and Engage the Culture with Christ-
Centered Compassion.''
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Pleasant 
Green Missionary Baptist Church for its rich heritage.

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