[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 83 (Tuesday, June 5, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E982]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   WILKERSON CHAPEL 150TH ANNIVERSARY

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                           HON. JOHN SHIMKUS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 5, 2012

  Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute the 150th 
anniversary of an important community institution in Collinsville, 
Illinois.
  In 1862, the Wilkerson Chapel was founded in Collinsville, and for 
150 years it has served the people of Collinsville; along the way 
becoming the oldest and only African Methodist Episcopal Church in 
Collinsville. The church was originally located at the corner of South 
and Clinton Streets, on a piece of land donated by Mrs. Josiah Peers. 
In 1922, Wilkerson Chapel moved to its present location at 317 Summit 
Avenue.
  The original land for the AME church was donated by a white woman in 
town, Mrs. Josiah Peers, and when the second location was built, the 
white churches in town donated such items as communion robes, a piano, 
and even the church bell. Marian Hoskin, an 81-year-old church member, 
talked about the harmony between the races which has always been an 
important part of Wilkerson Chapel's history, saying that, ``they 
always talk about this diversity situation here. And there was always 
prejudice on both sides of the fence. But we got along here. We have 
always worked together in this town.''
  Today, Reverend Carl F. Berry is the current pastor, and under his 
leadership, Wilkerson Chapel continues its efforts to improve the lives 
of the citizens of Collinsville. The church continues its outreach 
efforts, which include open houses and cookouts, but also performances 
by Just Us and The Rest, the church choir, and work with the 
Collinsville Area Ministerial Alliance food pantry.
  Before the church's 150th anniversary banquet, Rev. Berry told the 
local paper, ``The community is there for the church and the church is 
very much there for the community. This is truly about us sharing 
ourselves. The doors to the church are always open for service to the 
community.''
  I am proud to salute the 150 years of service by the parishioners of 
the Wilkerson Chapel, as well as the example they have set for our 
community. I am honored to represent such great people and such a great 
community like Collinsville.

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