[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 72 (Tuesday, May 18, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E998]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 WESLEY CHAPEL AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH CELEBRATES ITS 134th 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN SHIMKUS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 18, 1999

  Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to honor the 
Wesley Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church of Edwardsville, 
Illinois upon its 134th anniversary.
  On May 6th, the Wesley Chapel held special services to celebrate its 
134th anniversary, specifically video taping the proceedings for those 
members of the church who were unable to participate due to age or 
other reasons. The celebation featured reflections of the church and 
its members and featured statements about the church and its impact 
from the oldest member, 98 year-old Alma Jackson to 12 year-old Terry 
Bradshaw who represented the youngest members of the church.
  Wesley Chapel was founded on the banks of Cahokia Creek at the end of 
the Civil War. It has been at its current location at 418 Aldrup since 
1881 and is currently preparing for the possibility of a new church.
  My congratulations go out to Pastor Dwight Bell and Joyce Hariston 
and Jessie Brown who served as co-chairs of the anniversary committee 
as well as the entire congregation at the Wesley Chapel African 
Methodist Episcopal Church.
  The commitment to and love of faith will make a difference for 
generations to come.

                          ____________________