Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Friendship Baptist Church in Pasadena, California. Friendship Baptist Church is one of the oldest congregations in Pasadena-celebrating its 110th anniversary this month with the theme ``God's People Working Together.''
Founded in September 1893, it was the first Negro Baptist church in the city and for many years had the largest membership of any African American church. Throughout its history, the church has played an important religious and civic role not only here in Pasadena, but also in Mexico, Australia and Africa as well.
Beginning as a Sunday school for Pasadena's early Negro settlers, the devoted members later chartered themselves as a full-fledged Baptist Church. The church was organized in the hall located at 12 Kansas Street which has since become known as Green Street. In 1897, the first building was erected on South Vernon Avenue at a cost of $950.
The church grew and prospered under the leadership of several ministers until the 1920's when Reverend W.H. Tillman led the members to acquire a new site and erect the present edifice. In January of 1925, the Reverend W.D. Carter was called to lead the congregation spiritually and complete an ambitious building, which stands today as a monument to the heritage of Pasadena's African American citizens.
Since its ground breaking ceremony held in March of 1925, the Friendship Baptist Church has stood prominently for over 70 years as one of the visible landmark churches in Pasadena. It is the first African American related cultural landmark, recognized as a state of California landmark, and in 1978 was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in the United States of America.
I consider it a great privilege to recognize Friendship Baptist Church for its 110 years of service to the people of Pasadena. I ask all Members to join me in wishing Friendship Baptist Church many more prolific years of service to the community.