[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 28 (Thursday, March 10, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E428]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN MEMORY OF DEACON MOSES SUMMERVILLE

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. MIKE ROSS

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 10, 2005

  Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of a 
devoted and well-respected Arkansan, Deacon Moses Summerville.
  A native of Portland, Arkansas and the youngest of 12 children, 
Deacon Summerville married the late Lenora Vaughn on December 16, 1940. 
After accepting a job with the Crossett Lumber Company, Deacon 
Summerville and his young family moved to Crossett. Deacon Summerville 
quickly became involved with the First Baptist Church; later changing 
his membership to the young New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, where 
he served as Deacon and Trustee.
  As a young child, Deacon Summerville had an avid interest in vocal 
music. He became involved with the music ministry at New Bethel 
Missionary Baptist Church and started singing bass in the Senior Choir, 
later becoming director of the choir. Deacon Summerville founded the 
Keystone Gospel Singers, and the group sung on stage with many famous 
quartet groups including the Staple Sisters. Deacon Summerville also 
taught music through the Southeast Arkansas District Association using 
the shape-note music notation for vocal music, and was honored by the 
American Quartet Convention in Alabama for his music ability.
  In addition to music, Deacon Summerville had a profound interest in 
the welfare of Ashley County. A hunter and gardener at a time when most 
people raised vegetables out of necessity, Deacon Summerville devoted 
both time and effort to supplement the meals of many local residents. 
He raised fresh vegetables in his garden, and for years brought home 
many squirrels, rabbits and coons to Sunday Fried Chicken Dinners.
  I extend my deepest and sincere sympathies to Deacon Summerville's 
five children, Ruby, Annie Pearl, Willie T., Sarah, and Bertha Sue, his 
friends, and colleagues. I will continue to keep Deacon Summerville and 
his family in my thoughts and prayers.

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