[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 25 (Thursday, February 25, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E258]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 COMMEMORATING THE 117TH ANNIVERSARY OF PAYNE CHAPEL A.M.E. CHURCH IN 
                        WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 25, 2010

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate 
the 117th anniversary of the founding of Payne Chapel A.M.E. Church in 
West Palm Beach, Florida, an institution that is as old as the city 
itself.
  The theme of this year's celebration is ``Enhancing the dream; bright 
hope for tomorrow''. Payne Chapel was the dream of Ed Walstine, Philip 
Akery, Bell Jones, Susan Gee Cook, Margaret Akery, D. Jones, and Haley 
Mickens, who were strongly determined to prepare the way for carrying 
out ``The Great Commission'' of preaching and witnessing for Christ. 
They founded their church, known as Bethel, in January of 1893. It was 
a pioneer era, and the first church was established in ``The Styx'', 
now Palm Beach. The first trustees were J.J. Gordon, D.J. Jones, and 
Philip Akery.
  In 1894, under the pastorate of Rev. T.W. Wilson, the church's name 
was changed from Bethel to Payne Chapel in honor of Bishop Daniel A. 
Payne. Payne Chapel was built at Banyan and Tamarind Avenue, under the 
pastorate of Rev. A.S. Simms, 1894-1895. During the pastorate of Rev. 
M.T. Carey, 1910-1914, the church's parsonage was built. Rev. S.W. 
Adair organized the first rally for the new Payne Chapel A.M.E. Church 
between 1917 and 1920. It was Rev. E.J. Jackson who purchased the 
present site and laid the foundation between 1922 and 1923. In 1924, 
Rev. S.W. Adair was again appointed pastor and began work on the new 
church.
  In 1928, a hurricane completely destroyed the old church on Banyan 
Street. The first Sunday in January 1929, services resumed in the 
basement of the ``New Church on the Hill''. Over the years, many 
additions were made to Payne Chapel under the pastorate of different 
reverends to complete the New Church. The main auditorium was dedicated 
in 1937, new pews were added in 1942, and the church was cleared of all 
indebtedness in 1948. During the pastorate of Rev. H. McNeal Harris, 
1963-1966, the present parsonage was built, and under Rev. Stephen M. 
Peck, 1969-1981, the church was completely air conditioned.
  Between 1981 and 1987, land was purchased for two parking areas, the 
church office, pastor's study, and Christian Education Office were 
erected in the lower auditorium, and the lounges were completely 
renovated.
  In 1988, the New Genesis was instituted under the leadership of 
Shepherd W.J. Jackson. The church underwent a series of renovations and 
restoration, including new paint inside and out, safety guard doors, a 
new roof, pews, furniture, lighting, carpeting, state-of-the-art sound 
system, piano, organ, and tiling. Furthermore, the mortgage was 
liquidated and another parking area and additional property around the 
church were purchased.
  In November 2002, Bishop John Hurst Adams assigned Rev. Samuel E. 
Sullivan to Payne Chapel. Under his pastorate, Payne Chapel underwent 
further renovation and debts on the roof and organ were liquidated. 
During the 2004-2005 hurricane season, the church and parsonage 
sustained major wind and water damage. Payne Chapel's keepers worked 
hard to restore it to its former magnificent grandeur. The church's 
interior was gutted and treated for mold and mildew, and carpeting, 
pews, and other furnishing and equipment were replaced.
  On December 2, 2007, Bishop McKinley Young assigned Rev. Milton 
Broomfield to pastor Payne Chapel into the future. I am certain that 
Payne Chapel can look forward to great things under Rev. Broomfield's 
leadership.
  Madam Speaker, from 1893 to 2008, 30 pastors, 24 presiding elders, 36 
bishops, and three assistant pastors have served Payne Chapel A.M.E. 
Church. Payne Chapel is more than a building; it is a living testament 
to the community that built it. As we celebrate the 117th anniversary 
of its founding and remember the untold numbers of dedicated people who 
have contributed to making the church what it is today, tomorrow is 
indeed bright and hopeful.

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