THE 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF MOUNT ZION BAPTIST CHURCH

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia: Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mount Zion Baptist Church in Charles County, Virginia on the occasion of its 200th anniversary. I would like to highlight some moments from the history of the church.

Mount Zion Baptist Church was first established by slaves in 1812. The original church was built on a parcel of land that was purchased for $20. The church worshipped in this sanctuary until it was destroyed by fire. After the sanctuary's destruction, the church was without a place to worship until a new building was deeded to the Church in 1885 and a sanctuary erected in 1886. Mount Zion continues to worship in this sanctuary to this day.

Over the years, the building has undergone many beneficial additions including the construction of a vestibule, choir stand, choir room, annex, Pastor's Study, Secretary's Office, baptismal pool, central heating, and air cooling system as well as new siding, pews, and carpet.

Over the past two hundred years, Mount Zion has been fortunate to have many dedicated pastors including Revs. Silas Richardson, J.H. Harrison, William Sayles, E.T. Banks, J.H. Williams, James Lee, W.H. Gaines, Gandhi G. Hester, Daniel L. Adams, Sr., and its current Pastor, George Magazine. The Church has also been fortunate to receive the service of numerous deacons, trustees and other officials over the years.

Their leadership helped the church thrive over its 200 year history. Examples of this include the organization of the Tones of Zion Gospel Chorus, the Youth Choir, the Male Chorus, the Nurses' Aides, the Christian Education Department, the Missionary Ministry, and publication of ''The Spirit of Zion'' newsletter, as well as additional Worship Sundays and the Wednesday night Praise and Prayer Service.

As Mount Zion Baptist Church gathers to celebrate its 200th anniversary, the church can truly remember its past, celebrate its present, and focus on the future with great expectations. I would like to congratulate Pastor Magazine and all of the members of Mount Zion on this monumental occasion.