[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 90 (Thursday, May 23, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E555]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO BISHOP JOSEPH RAVENELL

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 23, 2024

  Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a dedicated 
veteran, faithful pastor, and committed community leader. Bishop Joseph 
Phillip Ravenell celebrated his 45th year as pastor of Samaritan 
Baptist Church in Trenton, New Jersey on April 16, 2024. May his good 
works and deeds continue to uplift the lives of many.
  Bishop Ravenell grew up on a small family farm in South Carolina 
along with 10 siblings. He joined the U.S. Army in 1961, and did his 
basic training at Fort Jackson, in Columbia, South Carolina. With his 
faith forbidding him from partaking in combat operations, Bishop 
Ravenell instead committed himself to saving lives rather than taking 
them. He was assigned to the 24th Infantry Medical Battalion in Germany 
for 18 months where he helped save countless lives. He continued his 
service in the U.S. Army Reserve for many years and received a full 
honorable discharge in October 1967.
  After military service, he attended St. Peter's College in Jersey 
City, New Jersey, where he pursued a Bachelor of Science Degree in 
American History. Answering the call to preach, he attended Princeton 
Theological Seminary, and received a Master of Divinity degree in 1976.
  Bishop Ravenell began his ministry serving as Chaplain Supervisor at 
the New Jersey State Prison in Trenton. For almost twenty years, Bishop 
Ravenell ministered to inmates as well as their families. Seeing the 
need for continued care after release, he started the New Jersey Prison 
Community Network to help former inmates readjust to their communities.
  Bishop Ravenell returned to the military and served as Chaplain at 
the 50th Armored Division Artillery Headquarters, and was promoted to 
Captain, Major, and Lieutenant Colonel. He retired in 2000.
  Throughout his military service and career as a prison Chaplain, 
Bishop Ravenell proudly pastored the Samaritan Baptist Church alongside 
his late wife of more than 53 years, Elder Mary Jane Ravenell. They 
were both actively involved in community development, facilitating a 
weekly food and clothing drive, educational programs for youth, and 
outreach to unhoused people. Bishop Ravenell has also been actively 
involved in the North Ward Coalition, the North 25 Housing Corporation, 
the Concerned Pastors of Trenton and Vicinity, the Trenton Area 
Ecumenical Ministry, and Father and Men for a Better Trenton.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in celebrating 
the remarkable life and career of Bishop Ravenell. For decades, Bishop 
Ravenell's ministry, advocacy, and service has touched countless lives. 
May he continue to serve the Trenton community for years to come.

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