[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 6 (Wednesday, January 20, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E51]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


      HONORING THE LIFE AND WORK OF REV. SAMUEL WESLEY DIXON, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. G.K. BUTTERFIELD

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 20, 2010

  Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Rev. Samuel 
Wesley Dixon, Jr., who died tragically last week while on a 
humanitarian mission in Haiti. Reverend Dixon was deeply dedicated to 
improving the lives of the people in the greatest need of assistance, 
and I am proud to honor his lifetime of commitment and service.
  Reverend Dixon grew up in North Carolina, the son of Samuel Wesley 
Dixon, Sr., and Mildred Dixon. He graduated from Statesville High and 
attended college at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He 
earned a doctoral degree in ministry from the Chicago Theological 
Seminary.
  He began his ministry in 1975, serving as pastor of rural, urban, and 
small town congregations, including churches in Sneads Ferry, Durham, 
Swepsonville and Swansboro. In 1996, Rev. Dixon became pastor of the 
First United Methodist Church of Roanoke Rapids.
  In 1998, he joined the staff of United Methodist Committee on Relief 
(UMCOR), a prominent disaster relief and assistance agency which 
assists people around the globe. He assumed leadership of the 
organization in 2007.
  Writing in New World Outlook, Global Ministries' mission magazine, he 
described UMCOR as serving ``God's creation on behalf of The United 
Methodist Church'' and ``providing help and hope to people in serious 
situations.'' The work, he said, ``hearts and hands with others in 
building a sustainable future for an amazing multitude of people.''
  Reverend Dixon and two colleagues were at the Hotel Montana to work 
with other agencies in developing plans for improving health services 
in Haiti, the poorest country in the western hemisphere. The three were 
trapped in the rubble of the hotel following the earthquake. Reverend 
Clint Rabb and Reverend James Gulley were rescued, but Reverend Rabb 
later died from his injuries. Reverend Gulley survived and was able to 
return to his home in Denver.
  Reverend Dixon and his wife, Cindy, are the parents of four grown 
children and grandparents of two children. His mother and three sisters 
also survive him.
  Reverend Dixon was a gifted minister who was known for his 
selflessness and commitment to ensuring love and care for the sick, 
hungry and poor around the world. He died doing what he loved, and he 
will be greatly missed by many people.
  Madam Speaker, Reverend Dixon was a tireless and inspirational 
servant of God, and I ask that you join me in offering our prayers and 
deepest condolences to the community and his wife and family during 
these difficult times.

                          ____________________