[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14188]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF BRYAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BILL FLORES

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 14, 2016

  Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 150th anniversary 
of the First Baptist Church of Bryan, Texas.
  Since its founding on November 18, 1866, thousands of families have 
called First Baptist Bryan home.
  During the early years of the church, services were held in an 
abandoned saloon under the leadership of Rev. William Bartlett Eaves. 
The church would begin to grow larger and in 1883 a frame building was 
erected as a permanent place of worship. As the congregation continued 
to grow, bigger facilities were built to meet the needs of the church 
family for the next century. The church would also begin to expand its 
mission and focus on preaching the Gospel to the students of Texas A&M 
University. A strong bond was created between the church and the 
student community that still stands today.
  As more families and students joined the church, the importance of 
Sunday School began to emerge. Pastor John Held began to spread the 
teaching ministry beyond the church walls by organizing a successful 
Christ-focused men's Bible Study.
  Throughout the years, the church family has never lost sight of its 
commitment to fellowship, discipleship, worship, ministry, and 
evangelism. Since its beginning, the church has been involved in 
numerous mission activities with the Southern Baptist Convention, the 
Baptist General Convention of Texas, and the Creath Brazos Baptist 
Association. They have sent missions all across the world including 
Estonia, Australia, Germany, Zambia, Kenya, and Ghana. First Baptist 
Bryan has played an important role in planting numerous other churches 
throughout the area. They have also helped plant the Yurigaoka Baptist 
Church in Tokyo, Japan.
  The success of First Baptist Bryan can be attributed to the 
outstanding leadership from its Pastors. Since its establishment, 24 
Pastors have led the church in worship and growth, each bringing 
different gifts and abilities to the church family. All of them brought 
a strong commitment to stewardship, mission, and leadership to the 
community. Because of these leaders, the families and students in the 
Brazos Valley continue to have a place to worship the Lord.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in commemorating First Baptist Bryan and 
its congregation on their 150th anniversary.
  Before I close, I ask that all Americans continue to pray for our 
country during these difficult times and for the military men and women 
and first responders who protect her. God bless the American people, 
and God bless the congregation of First Baptist Bryan.

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