[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 158 (Tuesday, November 4, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2225]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      VERNON CHAPEL A.M.E. CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 4, 2003

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today on behalf of the 
members of Vernon Chapel A.M.E. Church of Flint, Michigan, to 
congratulate them on their successful completion of a $2 million 
expansion/renovation project. The church will hold a dedication 
ceremony to celebrate this blessed achievement on Sunday, November 9, 
2003. Bishop Philip R. Cousin, the Presiding Bishop of the Fourth 
District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, will be the guest 
preacher and will preside over the dedication.
  The expansion of Vernon Chapel A.M.E. Church started with a vision 10 
years ago and now that vision has come to life. Proverbs 29:18 states 
that ``Where there is no vision, the people perish.'' Vernon Chapel 
A.M.E church is definitely alive, and growing by leaps and bounds. One 
proof of that growth is their newly constructed 8,700 square-foot 
family life center. The church and community will utilize the facility 
for wedding receptions, recreation events and banquets. Inside the 
church, seven new classrooms were added along with four offices, an 
elevator, and six restrooms. They have also added a day care and health 
care site. The church's purpose in starting this project was to give 
back to the community. They saw a need and they fulfilled it. With the 
newly expanded facility, the church will be able to spread the Gospel 
to more people in different ways. Reverend Darryl Williams, Pastor of 
Vernon Chapel for 13 years, stated to me that completion of this 
project is a testament to their faith, their progressive attitude and 
their desire to serve the people of Flint and Genesee County in a 
greater capacity. The members of Vernon Chapel A.M.E. Church are beyond 
doubt dedicated to the work of the Lord.
  Mr. Speaker many people in Genesee County have greatly benefited from 
Vernon Chapel A.M.E. Church outreach. This church consistently thrives 
to make the community a better place to live and worship. I ask my 
colleagues in the 108th Congress to please join me in congratulating 
this fine Christian community on a job well done.

                          ____________________