[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 66 (Tuesday, April 24, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E517]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN MEMORY OF REV. DR. MARK CHEW, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 24, 2018

  Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy 
of Mark Chew, a pastor and public servant, who passed away on April 6, 
2018. Rev. Dr. Mark Chew, Jr. committed much of his life to serving 
Denton in a variety of roles.
   Though he was born in Mississippi, Reverend Chew grew deep North 
Texas roots. He attended Fred Moore High School in Denton and graduated 
from Booker T. Washington High School in Dallas before receiving an 
associate's degree from North Central Texas College, a bachelor's 
degree from Southern Bible Institute, and a Doctorate of Divinity from 
the International Bible School in Houston.
   In 1967, Reverend Chew began his pastorate at Pleasant Grove Baptist 
Church. Throughout his half-century of pastoral ministry there, he 
oversaw the development of Outreach Ministry and Rays of Hope. Reverend 
Chew celebrated his 50-year pastoral anniversary in December 2017, a 
rare achievement.
   Spurred by his love for the community, Reverend Chew served the 
people of Denton far beyond his local church. In 1981, he became the 
first African American elected to the Denton City Council, serving 
three full terms in the 1980s and two additional consecutive terms in 
the 1990s. In addition to serving as President of the Denton County 
NAACP for 8 years, Reverend Chew was an active member of the Lions 
Club, the Denton Public Utility Board of Directors, and the Camp Copass 
Board of Directors. He also was Chaplain at both Peoples Funeral Home 
and Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Denton.
   Reverend Chew has left a rich legacy of service to faith, family, 
and community. I extend my condolences to his wife of 38 years, Dr. 
Rose Marie Chew, their family, the members of Pleasant Grove Baptist 
Church, and all who knew him.

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