Honoring Beulah Heights First Pentecostal Church On The Celebration of Its 80th Anniversary

Honoring Beulah Heights First Pentecostal Church On The Celebration of Its 80th Anniversary-Hon. Rosa L. Delauro (Extensions of Remarks - January 27, 2004)

HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

OF CONNECTICUT

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2004

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to pay tribute to one of the most respected houses of worship in the city of New Haven, Beulah Heights First Pentecostal Church. This year marked the 80th anniversary of this tremendous church, throughout which time the leadership and its members have left an indelible mark on our community.

Originally called the Beulah Heights Mission, the ministry was founded in 1923 by Walter and Rosa Andrews. In its humble beginnings, the church was located in a converted storefront and boasted a modest membership. Over the years and through the changes in leadership, the ministry steadily grew and eventually found a permanent home on Orchard Street. Over the course of its history, the Beulah Heights Pentecostal Church has developed a reputation as a leader in the religious community. Through its leadership and the commitment and enthusiasm of its membership, the Beulah Heights Church has made a real difference in the lives of many.

Our churches play a vital role in our communities, providing people with a place to turn for comfort when they are most in need. By strengthening the bonds of faith, the Beulah Heights First Pentecostal Church gives its members a place to find their spiritual center and to solidify and support their values. The members of the Beulah Heights First Pentecostal Church have also given much to the city of New Haven. Throughout the years, as their membership grew, so did their commitment to the enrichment of our community, transforming neighborhoods one block at a time.

Currently headed by Bishop Theodore Brooks, a man whom I am proud to call my friend, Beulah Heights Church has taken on a great mission of neighborhood revitalization. It has erected an educational wing which is utilized by the New Haven Board of Education for its Urban Youth Elementary School for troubled youth. Founded by Bishop Brooks in 1994, its development subsidiary, Beulah Land Development Corporation, is responsible for the construction of 20 units of affordable housing and 12 units of supportive housing for senior citizens. Through these and other projects, they are bringing renewed security and stability to this neighborhood. I have every confidence that they will continue to do great things for the Dixwell neighborhood of New Haven.

In the last 8 decades, the Beulah Heights Pentecostal Church and its membership have made invaluable contributions of the city of New Haven, changing the face of our great city. I am proud to stand today and extend my very best wishes to them as they mark this milestone in their history.

Happy 80th anniversary!