2014 -- H 8215

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2014

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

CONGRATULATING THE CONGDON STREET BAPTIST CHURCH IN PROVIDENCE,

RHODE ISLAND ON ITS 195TH ANNIVERSARY

     Introduced By: Representatives Ajello, Williams, Fox, and Hull

     Date Introduced: May 20, 2014

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, The origins of the Congdon Street Baptist Church began in 1819, when a

group of African-Americans living in Providence held a series of meetings which eventually led

to the establishment of the African Union Meeting and Schoolhouse. The goal was to "establish a

place for people of color to both worship God in dignity and to obtain a secular education for

their children"; and

     WHEREAS, After more than fifty years of numerous gains and setbacks, a new residence

for the church was attained and by 1875, the church, by a legislative act, was officially

proclaimed to be the Congdon Street Baptist Church. Since then the church and its congregation

have been beacons of love and truth representing the noble causes of religious liberty for all, and

equality for all of God's children, including people of color, the poor and those walking in the

shadows of life; and

     WHEREAS, In the year 2014, the Congdon Street Baptist Church, known locally as the

"friendly church on the hill", is joyfully celebrating their 195th Anniversary under the direction of

Pastor James E. Dove. For 195 years, the Congdon Street Baptist Church has been a place of

love, hope and refuge for Providence's African-American and minority communities. In addition,

the Congdon Street Baptist Church has been a place where people from all walks of life can find

comfort by hearing the word of God and being embraced by a caring and compassionate

congregation; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby congratulates the Congdon Street Baptist Church on its 195th

Anniversary. We furthermore wish the clergy and parishioners much happiness as they celebrate

this historic anniversary on May 17th and 18th of 2014; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Congdon Street Baptist Church Pastor, the

Reverend James E. Dove.

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