[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 104 (Thursday, June 4, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E514]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





             HONORING SAMUEL CHAPEL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 4, 2020

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
remarkable church, Samuel Chapel United Methodist Church.
  Samuel Chapel United Methodist Church, originally named Samuel Chapel 
Methodist Episcopal Church, had its beginning in 1880 under the 
leadership of Rev. McBeth. With the help of God and a few members, a 
one room frame building was erected in the Southeastern section of Itta 
Bena.
  Following the leadership of Rev. McBeth, Rev. Grant Orange was 
assigned to pastor the few members of Samuel Chapel. As time elapsed, 
Rev. Orange was replaced by Rev. E.C.F. Troupe. As the church grew 
under the leadership of Rev. Troupe, it became necessary to choose a 
new site which was in the Western section of Itta Bena, its current 
location. In 1911, the frame structure was replaced by a brick 
structure as Rev. Troupe's vision for growth emerged.
  Rev. H.B. Hart was the next pastor who lead the members in purchasing 
a parsonage, a house bought from Mrs. Nellie Mitchell. His leadership 
encompassed the organization of the church choir and securing pews and 
other serviceable facilities for the church.
  During Rev. M.J. Stallings tenure, the membership diminished because 
of mass migration from the Itta Bena area. Under Rev. Stallings 
leadership, plans were drawn up to rebuild Samuel Chapel and the old 
structure was demolished and a new church was rebuilt in 1968. The 
dedication of the new Samuel Chapel United Methodist Church was 
February 20, 1977. Rev. Stallings Pastorage extended for thirteen 
years. Following the homegoing of their dearly beloved pastor, Rev. 
M.J. Stallings, many pastors served, and the church continued to grow. 
Each pastor poured into the members their vision of excellence in 
living a life pleasing to our Almighty God. Seeking the lost and 
discipling the found stimulated all facets of the church membership.
  Samuel Chapel's current Pastor is Rev. Jonathan Parker who is also 
the Director of the Wesley Foundation Campus Ministry at Mississippi 
Valley State University.
  The church's motto of identity is that ``we are the church with warm 
hearts and friendly hands.'' Their health ministry has touched the 
lives of the entire community with its community garden, quarterly 
health screenings, the church's connection with the Mississippi Delta 
Health Collaborative, and their partnership with the Society of St. 
Andrews Gleaming Ministry. This gleaning network organizes volunteers 
to collect and distribute fresh produce gleaned from farmers' fields 
and orchards after the harvest. Samuel Chapel's United Methodist Men 
travel to Jackson or other areas and transport gleaned produce to the 
Itta Bena community and citizens are welcome to come to the church and 
receive all types of food items at no cost. The church's outreach 
ministry has been instrumental in being a source for those in need of 
nutritious food.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Samuel 
Chapel United Methodist Church for its longevity and dedication to 
serving others.

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