[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 86 (Friday, June 26, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1266-E1267]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     REVEREND ROBERT O. SIMPSON: A POINT-OF-LIGHT FOR ALL AMERICANS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MAJOR R. OWENS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 25, 1998

  Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a great deal of pleasure that I 
pay tribute to an exceptionally dedicated and benevolent spiritual 
leader--the Reverend Robert O. Simpson. Reverend Simpson will be 
honored on Saturday, June 27, 1998 at a gala concert celebrating his 
25th anniversary of service to Janes United Methodist Church. Reverend 
Robert O. Simpson is a great Point-of-Light who has changed the face of 
Janes United Methodist Church through his moral guidance and unwavering 
commitment to the community.
  ``Rev. Bob.'' as he is affectionately called by his parishioners, was 
appointed as minister of Janes United Methodist Church on July 1, 1973. 
During his tenure Reverend Simpson has seen significant change in the 
church. Through it all, one thing remains the same--his enduring 
dedication to the church and its members. His commitment to the mission 
of outreach has brought several distinguished men and women to join the 
church. Since 1973, under the ministry of Reverend Simpson, the active 
membership of the Janes United Methodist Church has tripled.
  Reverend Simpson's greatest challenge as pastor was the rebuilding of 
Janes United Methodist Church following the November 10, 1984 fire that 
destroyed the 100 year old building. Through his dynamic leadership, 
the

[[Page E1267]]

support of the Janes congregation, and many members of the community, 
the new Janes Church was built and consecrated in April 1991. The story 
of Janes' rebuilding was the basis of Reverend Simpson's post-graduate 
work and dissertation in ``Church Administration and Liturgies'' at New 
Brunswick Theological Seminary.
  As a minister, Reverend Simpson is in a unique position to touch the 
lives and to help mold so many futures. Because of this enormous 
responsibility, he has initiated a number of programs which contributed 
to the growth and development of the church and the Bedford-Stuyvesant 
community. During his pastorate, Reverend Simpson has developed the 
church's Community Outreach Program, a tutorial program for school aged 
children; the Senior Citizens' Friendship Club; the Voter Registration 
and Information Project; referral programs; a Meals-on-Wheels Program; 
and ``God's Sheltering Arms,'' Janes' ministry to the homeless. Clearly 
Janes United Methodist Church is in a better position because of 
Reverend Simpson.
  Reverend Simpson's remarkable climb was accompanied by an ever-
increasing group of civic, religious, and philanthropic organizations 
in which he participated. He served the wider community as a member of 
Community Planning Board #3, District 16 Community School Board and New 
York Methodist Hospital Board of Directors. He has worked diligently in 
numerous positions within the United Methodist Church denomination to 
strengthen the church infrastructure. He has served as Treasurer of the 
New York Annual Conference Board of Trustees, Chair of the Episcopal 
Committee, and member of the Council of Finance and Administration.
  Reverend Simpson began his formal education in the nursery school at 
Janes United Methodist Church, the church he would eventually pastor 
for 25 years. He attended both public and private schools in Brooklyn, 
New York and graduated from Yale Divinity School in June 1993 with a 
Master's of Divinity.
  In a recent sermon on ``Buried Talents,'' Reverend Simpson emphasized 
the importance of using all of the gifts and graces God has entrusted 
to us. His leadership and pastoring of the church is an excellent 
example of the strength, fortitude, faith and perseverance needed for 
an effective ministry in the church or any other leadership position. 
Reverend Simpson has made Janes United Methodist Church a landmark for 
families to worship and a dramatic force for good. We salute Reverend 
O. Simpson and the accomplishments of his ministry. He is a great 
Point-of-Light for all Americans.

                          ____________________