WEST END BAPTIST CHURCH 120TH ANNIVERSARY

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia: Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate a legacy of faith in Virginia's Third Congressional District. This year, West End Baptist Church in Hampton, Virginia is celebrating its 120th anniversary, and I would like to take a moment to reflect on the history of this esteemed institution and its contributions to the greater Hampton Roads community.

The story of West End Baptist Church begins on December 12, 1892, when Robert and Mary Herbert sold a piece of land forty feet by one hundred feet to Joshua Morris, Isaiah Dillard and John Seton, Trustees of West End Baptist Church, for $75.00. It was recorded that the land be used solely for the purpose of building a church.

In 1901, the West End Baptist Church was up and running under the leadership of Pastor Linas. The fellowship began in the old Bates School House that was located where the Beau Brummell building now stands. After the death of Pastor Linas, Pastor Beverly Garner became his successor. He saw a need for a new sanctuary for his followers. The congregation began to build the new church at 2916 Shell Road. Unfortunately, Pastor Garner passed away before he could see his dream completed. However, the new church sanctuary was completed in 1903 under the leadership of Pastor Bray. After Pastor Bray's tenure, Pastor Hall was selected as the next leader and Pastor Atkins succeeded him.

In 1965, Rev. Hallie Richardson, Sr. became West End Baptist Church's leader. He served faithfully until September 1990. During his ministry, the membership flourished. Due to the growth in the congregation, there again was a need for a larger sanctuary. The first service in the new sanctuary at 2413 Shell Road took place in July 1982, and West End Baptist Church has remained there to this day.

Pastor Rufus Hill succeeded Pastor Richardson in September 1990, and he served until 1999. Guest ministers rendered services until April 2001. During this time, West End also saw its first woman, Edith Green, appointed to the Diaconate. Rev. James Gray was officially installed as Pastor on November 2, 2003 and served until 2007. Pastor Paul Sims was elected to serve as the 10th Pastor of West End Baptist Church in November 2008.

Over the years, the West End Baptist community has continued to grow and flourish. Its members have offered programs in the Youth Ministry, Outreach Ministry, Culinary Ministry and more. In addition to Sunday prayer, the church offers Wednesday Noon Prayer Assembly. The Church is home to numerous bands and choirs. The church has also organized many functions including Children's Church, new converts' and new members' orientation classes, a monthly Men's Fellowship Breakfast, hot meals for the hungry and an Annual Homecoming.

As West End Baptist Church gathers to celebrate this historic milestone, the church can truly remember its past, celebrate its present, and focus on its future as ''the friendly church by the side of the road, in the heart of the community with the community at heart.'' I would like to congratulate Pastor Sims and all of the members of the West End Baptist Church on the occasion of their 120th Anniversary. I wish them many more years of dedicated service to the community.