Recognizing the First Baptist Church of Merrifield on Their 155th Anniversary

Floor Speech

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Mr. WALKINSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the First Baptist Church of Merrifield on the occasion of the 155th anniversary of its sanctuary. For more than a century and a half, First Baptist Church of Merrifield has served as a cornerstone of faith, service, and community for the Northern Virginia region. First Baptist Church of Merrifield was started in a log cabin between 1871 to 1872. FBCM had then branched out and began worshipping on property owned by Mr. Robert Bradley of Merrifield. In 1891, the property was purchased from him by church Trustees: John E. Coates, Joshua Ball, and Joshua Pearson for the sum of five dollars. FBCM is a church formed from strong community family ties and has remained steadfastly community focused since.

FBCM remains a vital part of our district today by partnering with neighbors and local organizations to fulfill local needs through service projects, food and supply drives, youth programs, and many other community-centered initiatives. Through these efforts, FBCM continues to foster a spirit of faith, service, collaboration, and compassion throughout our district.

Over the past 155 years, FBCM has been led by 13 pastors and 2 interim pastors. Each one contributing to the growth of FBCM and leaving behind their own unique legacy of service. A few of those contributions include: the establishment of the Golden Ages Senior Saints Ministry, the construction of the Merrifield Child Development Center, the recovery of the original church bell, the creation of a youth mentoring program with Luther Jackson Middle School, the development of a tutoring outreach program targeting local students, and much more. FBCM and its congregation lead by faith and example in our community.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending First Baptist Church of Merrifield for its efforts to better the Northern Virginia region. Achieving 155 years of ministry is a milestone worth celebrating. It is a privilege to work alongside this great congregation in the community, and I wish them continued success through faith, family, and service.

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