[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 120 (Thursday, September 5, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1533]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      DeLAURO HONORS ST. PAUL UAME CHURCH ON ITS 150TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 5, 1996

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, on Sunday, September 15, 1996 the officers 
and members of Saint Paul Union American Methodist Episcopal Church 
will gather to celebrate the church's 150th anniversary. I am pleased 
to rise today to congratulate the St. Paul UAME congregation on this 
special occasion.
  The church has an incredibly rich history. The church traces its 
roots as far back to 1805 and developed from a strong tradition of 
grass-roots initiatives and organizing. The Saint Paul Union American 
Methodist Episcopal Church, as it is now known, has a history which 
begins in 1847. Organized in 1952 by lay Elder John Williams, it was 
originally called the Ecclestial Society and was located at 47 Webster 
Street. The church was later moved to 69 Webster Street and renamed the 
African Union Church by lay Elder William Walker. Finally, in 1920 the 
church became the Saint Paul Union American Methodist Episcopal Church. 
In 1938 the city of New Haven began the Elm Haven housing project. St. 
Paul was located in the middle of the proposed project and a decision 
was made to move the church, intact, to the south side of Dixwell 
Avenue. The church was moved and completely renovated. The church was 
dedicated on May 12, 1940 under the pastorate of the late Rev. James E. 
Henry.
  The church continued to grow and in 1956 was assigned the Rt. Rev. 
David E. Hackett. It was the leadership of Reverend Hackett which 
facilitated great progress and growth of the church. During that time 
church property was improved, a financial reserve maintained and 
community services were expanded. The church also fondly remembers the 
tenure of the Rev. Dr. Clyde J. Bobo Bowman who was assigned to St. 
Paul in 1971. The Reverend Bowman initiated a community based ministry 
that sought to address the problems and concerns of senior citizens, 
the church's neighborhood, and the young people and children in the 
area. This community based philosophy is one that the church continues 
to espouse.
  The St. Paul UAME Church is a clear example of the important role of 
the church in people's lives today. The church gives everyone a place 
to find their spiritual center and to solidify and support their 
values. In addition to ministering to the needs of its own 
congregation, the St. Paul UAME Church reaches out to the whole 
community. The church tackles difficult social problems like drug use, 
poverty and violence. At a time when public support for government 
intervention and programs is low, it is critical that churches and 
community organizations reach out to those most in need. I commend the 
St. Paul UAME Church for leading the way and rising to the challenges 
of combating these social problems. I am pleased to offer my sincerest 
congratulations to the church on its 150th anniversary. I know the 
church will continue to be an important force in the lives of both the 
members of the congregation and the larger community for many more 
years to come.

                          ____________________