COMMEMORATING 160TH ANNIVERSARY OF ANTIOCH MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

On 2026-04-23, Representative Christian D. Menefee (D-TX-18) delivered a floor speech titled "COMMEMORATING 160TH ANNIVERSARY OF ANTIOCH MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH" in the House. The speech addressed taxes and also covered civil rights.

COMMEMORATING 160TH ANNIVERSARY OF ANTIOCH MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 72 (Thursday, April 23, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 72 (Thursday, April 23, 2026)] [House] [Page H3073] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] {time} 0920 COMMEMORATING 160TH ANNIVERSARY OF ANTIOCH MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH (Mr. MENEFEE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. MENEFEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and commemorate the 160th Anniversary of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. Mr. Speaker, 160 years ago, formerly enslaved persons got together along Buffalo Bayou with nothing but faith and freedom. There, they built a church with their own hands, their own bricks, and their own will. That church is Antioch, which has served Fourth Ward, downtown Houston, Texas. Antioch has been a hub of activism since Reconstruction. It had its doors open during the civil rights movement, where people needed organizing and courage. Under Pastor Lou McElroy and First Lady McElroy, that mission continues today. Isaiah 43 tells us not to dwell on the former things. Antioch's impact is not just the past. It is present. The congregation is still educating, organizing, impacting, and showing up for Houston each and every day. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Antioch Missionary Baptist Church on 160 years of excellence and service to Houston, Texas, and to this Nation. ____________________