[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 155 (Wednesday, September 27, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1274]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN RECOGNITION OF BETHEL AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH AND ITS 
       CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE COMMUNITY OF MEADVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA

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                            HON. MIKE KELLY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 27, 2017

  Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize the 
Bethel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church of Meadville, 
Pennsylvania, and the important contributions it has made to the 
Meadville area for over 160 years. Since its foundation in 1849 by the 
Reverend Jacob Parmer, Bethel AME has advanced a vision of outreach and 
engagement through its vibrant faith community.
   The church's present location was constructed in Meadville. This 
site, according to Gary DeSantis writing in the Meadville Tribune on 
September 2, 2016, was once used by a former slave from Maryland named 
Richard Henderson to ``provide shelter for 500 or more slaves escaping 
the Southern slave holders.'' This stop on the Underground Railroad 
gave refuge to escapees traveling through the northern states on their 
way to Canada.
   As the challenges facing our country and our local communities have 
shifted over time, Bethel AME has been a constant presence in 
Meadville. Today its community outreach includes youth drama 
productions, a women's ministry, outreach to senior citizens, and many 
other valuable programs and ministries in Meadville.
   I am proud to represent the clergy and parishioners of Bethel AME in 
the House of Representatives. Their history and their present 
contributions to the community are a credit to the City of Meadville, 
to Crawford County, and to Pennsylvania's Third District.

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