The Green Street Baptist Church

THE GREEN STREET BAPTIST CHURCH

Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, today I would like to take the opportunity to honor the 160th birthday of the Green Street Baptist Church in Louisville, KY.

The Green Street Baptist Church is one of the oldest and most established African-American churches in Kentucky. It has served as a spiritual focal point for Louisville since it was founded as the Second African Baptist Church by nine slaves. On September 29, 1844 it was opened as the Green Street Baptist Church by pastor Brother George Wells.

The Green Street Baptist Church is a historic place that has played a significant role for African-Americans in Louisville. The present church was built in 1930 by the noted African-American architect Samuel Plato. In August of 1967, with H.W. Jones as pastor, the church hosted a rally for voter registration led by Dr. Martin Luther King.

As one of the U.S. Senators from Kentucky, I know how important a wonderful center like the Green Street Baptist Church can be to a community. One of the more prominent trustees and a treasurer of the church was a man named Ben Duke, who lived to be 100 years old. I have no doubt that his rewarding involvement with such a great organization like the Green Street Baptist Church contributed to his longevity.

I congratulate the Green Street Baptist Church on this momentous occasion of its 160th anniversary. I hoe the church will continue to serve the Louisville community another 160 years and beyond.