[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 1916-1917]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 IN HONOR OF FATHER BENJAMIN H. SKYLES

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN BENTSEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 4, 1999

  Mr. BENTSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Father Benjamin H. Skyles 
for his outstanding contributions to the community and citizens of 
Pasadena, Texas.
  Father Skyles has served the community of Pasadena through his 
ministry as Rector of St. Peter's Episcopal Church for 34 years. His 
social conscience is second to none. Throughout those 34 years, Father 
Skyles has been a tremendous asset to the Pasadena community. He has 
worked to protect the environment, care for and educate children and 
the elderly, train workers, and give a helping hand to those who are 
ill or living in poverty. He is also a dedicated husband and father.
  His ministry has enhanced the lives of thousands of Pasadena citizens 
from birth to old-age. St. Peter's Day School has nurtured and educated 
children for over 30 years. Its After School Program has been a safe-
haven for latchkey children for over 25 years. For the elderly, St. 
Peter's offers low-cost housing. Additionally, St. Peter's has programs 
to confront social ills, such as alcholism and hunger. St. Peter's also 
offers English as a second language program, Scouting Programs, and 
year round GED classes.
  In the 1960s and 1970s, Father Skyles began his crusade to protect 
the environment. He became the first vice-president of the Channel Area 
Subsidiary Chapter for Help Eliminate Pollution. As Chairman of the 
Preservation of the Armand Bayou in 1972, he led the way in a 
complicated battle to save a beautiful natural resource so that it 
could be enjoyed by future generations. He chaired the Southeast Harris 
Country Clinic Task Force in 1976 and 1977, which established the 
Strawberry Clinic and vital health services to the area.

[[Page 1917]]

  In 1984, Father Skyles learned to speak and read Spanish to reach out 
to the Hispanic Community. Today, Father Skyles leads four services, 
including one in Spanish, each Sunday.
  Father Skyles founded the North Pasadena Community Outreach 
Organization. In association with the Episcopal Health Charities and 
support from St. Peter's parishioners, the Community Outreach Center 
will house after school programs, a free community clinic, and a state 
of the art computer clubhouse. The Center, opened in January 1999, is a 
$1 million investment in the well-being of Pasadena and is among the 
first church-school-community collaborations in this area.
  Father Skyles was recognized as Pasadena's Citizen of the Year in 
1973, awarded the Religious Service Award for the Greater Houston area, 
and appointed as Dean of the East Harris County Convocation of the 
Episcopal Diocese of Texas in 1993. He has also been a member of the 
National Conference of Christians and Jews since 1982.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Father Benjamin Skyles for his service to 
the Pasadena community. He is truly a man of social action. His deeds 
and contributions will not be forgotten.

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