- Record: Extensions of Remarks
- Section type: Recognition
- Chamber: House
- Date: May 12, 2026
- Congress: 119th Congress
- Why this source matters: Extensions of Remarks are statements submitted for the official record, even if they were not spoken live on the floor.
HON. EUGENE SIMON VINDMAN
of virginia
in the house of representatives
Mr. VINDMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 208th anniversary of the Mount Olive Baptist Church in Stafford County, Virginia.
resilience and courage. On May 16, 1818, five Black landowners gathered near Roseville in Western Stafford County, Virginia to found the church. Their first service was held beneath a simple slab-wood shelter, where a congregation began to take shape under conditions that required far more than faith alone.
a white person present. As a result, Reverend Crutcher, a white minister, was required to attend as a legal requirement.
possible, men who owned the land, chose to worship together, and accepted the risks of gathering in an unjust system.
force behind the church's formation and worked tirelessly to ensure its growth.
expanding its ministries and outreach to serve a growing congregation. Today, it offers Sunday school programs, men's and women's fellowship ministries, youth and adult choirs, and a wide range of services that serve the broader Stafford community.
for the community that still thrives today. For 208 years, Mount Olive Baptist Church has stood as a sanctuary for worship and spiritual nourishment.
individuals who contributed to the church's mission over the
years. Their dedication has helped build a thriving community that will continue to flourish for generations to come.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring and celebrating Mount Olive Baptist Church on its 208th anniversary. I am honored to represent the families and individuals who make up this caring and loving community, and I look forward to celebrating their continued success for years to come.