Mr. Speaker: I rise today to recognize the Beulah Baptist Institutional Church in Tampa, Florida in celebrating its 150^th anniversary. Founded by freed slaves in 1865, the church holds a unique place in history. It has served many generations and the entire community with its mission of freedom of worship and dignity of the individual.

Established at the conclusion of the Civil War, Beulah became Tampa’s first African- American Baptist Church. Over its 150 years, the Church has grown to be a symbol of social justice. Beulah has remained committed in focusing on education and civil rights. This diligent commitment has surely ensured a brighter future for its congregates and the community as a whole.

The lasting influence the church has had on Tampa is a testament to its congregants and, certainly, to its leaders. The late Reverend Dr. A. Leon Lowry, Sr. who served from 1956 to 1996, was a leader in the fight for civil rights in Tampa in the 1950s and 1960s as well as the State President of the NAACP. Reverend Lowry then went on to become the first African- American elected to office countywide- the Hillsborough County School Board.  He was one of the Theology professors of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The A. Leon Lowry, Sr. Elementary School in Tampa is named in his honor.

The current pastor, Reverend Dr. W. James Favorite, has continued the church’s pivotal role in community advancement. With a strong philosophy that serving the church is more than just ministering on Sunday, Reverend Favorite serves on many community initiatives including Pastors on Patrol, the African American Family Support Initiative, Childcare Facilities Advisory Board, and the Tampa Urban League board. As the Chairman of the Black Leadership Commission on AIDS of Tampa Bay, Reverend Favorite has spearheaded the effort nationally to reduce the stigma associated with HIV and AIDS by calling on clergy all across the bay area and America to put AIDS and HIV awareness at the heart of their sermons.

With 150 years of service and stewardship, the church enters into its next 150 years with enthusiasm. The church is looking forward to its upcoming projects including Senior housing initiatives, job preparation and technology training, sponsorship of Jamaica Outreach ministry, Summer Instructional camp, and an after school e-Library facility.

On behalf of the Tampa Bay community that has greatly benefitted from the church’s continuing presence and guidance, I am honored to congratulate the Beulah Baptist Institutional Church on their 150^th anniversary.