[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17820]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING PARKS CHAPEL AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 8, 2004

  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Parks Chapel African 
Methodist Episcopal Church of Oakland, California for 85 years of 
ministry and invaluable service to the community.
  Parks Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 
September 1919 as a mission in West Oakland by the late Reverend J.M. 
Brown. The church was named in honor of the late Bishop H.B. Parks of 
Oakland, and was granted a charter in May of 1920. The Congregation's 
membership has grown steadily over the years, leading it to relocate to 
larger worship sites twice before settling at its current location on 
Thirty-Fourth Street in Oakland under the spirited and inspired 
leadership of Reverend Donna E. Allen.
  Since that time, the Parks Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church 
has played an active role in initiating and expanding a wide range of 
charitable and community-building activities. In addition to 
ministering and counseling countless members of the ministry, the 
church regularly hosts a variety of community gospel events. 
Furthermore, Parks Chapel sponsors numerous outreach activities that 
serve to facilitate endeavors such as the education and development of 
local youth, and the social reintegration of former prison inmates.
  On September 5, 2004, the Parks Chapel African Methodist Episcopal 
Church will be celebrating its eighty-five-year anniversary in Oakland, 
California. I would like to mark this occasion by commending the church 
for the exceptional service it has provided to the community not only 
in its capacity as an institution of faith and worship, but also as a 
leader in working to provide invaluable social and charitable services 
to the people of Oakland. By remaining committed to the areas of 
leadership and service throughout its eighty-five years of ministry, 
the Parks Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church has contributed 
enormously not only to the Oakland community, but also to our shared 
goal of world peace.

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