[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 81 (Friday, June 19, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1173]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING REVEREND ROBERT O. SIMPSON'S 25TH PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY

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                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 19, 1998

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Reverend Robert O. 
Simpson's 25th Pastoral Anniversary at Janes United Methodist Church, 
Brooklyn, New York.
  Reverend Robert O. Simpson assumed responsibilities as Pastor of 
Janes United Methodist Church in July 1973. Reverend Simpson's formal 
education began, ironically, in a nursery school at Janes United 
Methodist Church. He attended both public and private schools in 
Brooklyn before earning a Master of Divinity Degree from Yale Divinity 
School in June 1973.
  Since Reverend Simpson's tenure at Janes United Methodist Church, 
active membership has tripled. Many positive programs have been 
implemented. The Church's Community Outreach has included a tutorial 
program, the Senior Citizens' Friendship Club, the Voter Registration 
and Information Project, the Meals-on-Wheels Program for the home-bound 
elderly or disabled in the community, and ``God's Sheltering Arms,'' 
Janes' ministry to the homeless who inhabit public places.
  Reverend Simpson's greatest challenge came in 1984, when a fire 
destroyed Janes Church. With his dynamic leadership, Reverend Simpson 
led his congregation through this crisis. With his hard work and 
dedication, the new Janes Church was build and consecrated in April 
1991.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in saluting Reverend Robert O. 
Simpson on the occasion of his 25th Pastoral Anniversary at Janes 
United Methodist Church.

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