[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 193 (Wednesday, November 3, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1190]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         RECOGNIZING VINSON CHAPEL AME'S 100TH YEAR OF SERVICE

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                            HON. ANDY LEVIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 3, 2021

  Mr. LEVIN of Michigan. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
Vinson Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church which is celebrating 
its 100th year of service to the community of Clinton Charter Township, 
Michigan.
  Vinson Chapel AME is one of Macomb County's historic Black 
congregations, growing out of a prayer group first organized by Lewis 
and Betty Vinson in 1921. The members initially met in the Vinson 
family's home. Soon, the budding congregation moved to an outdoor tent 
to accommodate a larger prayer group. After conducting services in 
different spaces over the years, the congregation joyfully arrived on 
Sunday, May 22, 1977 to their current sanctuary on Quinn Road in 
Clinton Township.
  Over the decades, Vinson Chapel AME has established itself as an 
important spiritual center in Macomb County, going above and beyond to 
serve congregants as well as the greater community. The congregation 
has organized countless reading programs, educational workshops, voting 
drives, Census drives, and so much more. Most recently, when the COVID-
19 pandemic interrupted in-person services, the church adapted to 
virtual livestreams to keep the congregation safe and prevent the 
spread of the virus. Under the determined leadership of Reverend Twylla 
Lucas, the church rose to meet the additional needs of the community in 
this challenging moment, organizing vaccination clinics and 
distributing essential supplies.
  I am proud to have the honor of recognizing this important centennial 
for the Vinson Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church. I encourage 
my colleagues to join me in congratulating Vinson Chapel AME on one 
hundred years of ministry and service.

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