The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING THE 155TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF FRANKLIN
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HON. ROBERT C. ``BOBBY'' SCOTT
of virginia
in the house of representatives
Thursday, November 18, 2021
Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 155th anniversary of First Baptist Church of Franklin which has been a continuing source of inspiration for the community of Franklin, Virginia. The church was founded in 1866, a year after slavery was abolished in the United States. First Baptist Church of Franklin stands tall as the oldest organization of continuous existence in Franklin.
The beginnings of First Baptist Church of Franklin were one of hardship at the initial phase of the Reconstruction era. A young man of faith named Joseph Gregory was recommended to be a licensed preacher. Reverend Gregory was assigned a post to give the message of Christ to the African American members of this and other churches.
Through the following months, he started preaching in the little village of Franklin. He took initiative and organized the Cool Spring Baptist Church. The church started in a brush arbor near the Black Water River, which was donated by Tom Barrett, one of the church's members. Unfortunately, the brush arbor burned down but this did not stop the continuous work of the congregants. Under the leadership of the founding pastor, the members rebuilt and continued serving their community. Following the leadership of Reverend Gregory, First Baptist Church of Franklin has had a diverse succession of faithful servants, such as Reverend Guy Powell, Reverend M.E. Gerst, Dr. W.R. Ashburn, Reverend S.W. Timms, Reverend W.E. Sanderlin, Dr. M.C. Allen, Reverend Grover C. Lassiter, Reverend Samuel Franklyn Daly, Reverend Henry Blunt, Reverend Dr. Paige Chargois, Reverend Dr. D.S. Riddick, II and the church's current pastor, Reverend Marcus D. Jennings.
First Baptist Church of Franklin is still a pillar of the community. The organization's ministries bring essential services to the City of Franklin and its citizens. In these trying times, First Baptist Church of Franklin has shown resiliency and remains a source of inspiration for its congregants.
Madam Speaker, I congratulate the members and leaders of First Baptist Church of Franklin for their contributions to the City of Franklin for the last 155 years. The ongoing commitment to preach the gospel, give the good news and to extend faith is reflected in the rich history of the church. I commend pastor Marcus Jennings for his vision and service to his congregation, the community of Franklin, and the members of the congregation who all make a community of faith possible. I wish the church many more years of growth and prosperity.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 201(1), Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 201(2)
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