[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 10 (Thursday, January 16, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E94-E95]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          IN HONOR OF THE LIFE OF REVEREND ELIZABETH CARPENTER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 16, 2014

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of 
Reverend Elizabeth Carpenter, who ministered to hundreds of families as 
rector of St. Anne's Episcopal Church in Damascus for more than 
thirteen years. Sadly, Reverend Carpenter passed away on January 3, 
2014.
  Born and raised in Mobile, Alabama, Reverend Carpenter graduated Phi 
Beta Kappa from Duke University in 1963. Her first job was as a parish 
secretary for St. Peter's Episcopal Church in New York City. She later 
worked as a computer software designer for John Hancock Mutual and 
Humble Oil (now Exxon Mobil). At that time, the term ``software 
designer'' didn't even exist--she was a pioneer in that field.
  At the age of 47, Reverend Carpenter heard her call to ministry. She 
enrolled in Harvard Divinity School, where she received her Master of 
Divinity degree in 1991. She was ordained a deacon by the Episcopal 
Church of Dallas that June. On July 22, 1992, Reverend Carpenter was 
ordained into the priesthood by the Diocese of Massachusetts. She 
served several parishes in Massachusetts until she was called to be 
rector of St. Anne's Episcopal Church in Damascus, Maryland in August 
1997.
  St. Anne's longest-tenured rector, Reverend Carpenter served from 
1997 until her retirement in January 2011. During that time, she 
touched the lives of hundreds of families. She preached some 1,200 
times to the people of St. Anne's, performed hundreds of weddings and 
baptisms, and comforted hundreds of families at funerals and memorial 
services. Without a doubt, Reverend Carpenter was part of the heart and 
soul of the St. Anne's community.
  Reverend Carpenter brought wisdom and a steady hand to St. Anne's. 
Under her leadership, a beautiful new sanctuary was constructed and the 
church's 50th anniversary was celebrated. Her dedication inspired many 
new families to join the St. Anne's community. Moreover, Reverend 
Carpenter was well-respected by her colleagues in the Episcopal Diocese 
of Washington. She preached love and compassion and was an inspiration 
to her parishioners.
  Places of worship play an indispensable role in our communities. 
Reverend Carpenter helped strengthen Damascus and the surrounding 
communities through her years of service and dedication to St. Anne's.

[[Page E95]]

  I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the life and 
deeds of this very special woman and in offering condolences to 
Reverend Carpenter's family, friends and the entire St. Anne's 
community. She will be sorely missed.

                          ____________________