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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1056]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING THE CLEAR LAKE AME CHURCH FOR ITS CHRISTIAN MINISTRY
______
HON. BRIAN BABIN
of texas
in the house of representatives
Friday, August 16, 2019
Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Clear Lake
African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME) for nearly three decades of
Christian ministry in the Clear Lake area of Houston, Texas, and the
dedication of their new church home. The church is growing, both in
membership and spiritual richness, and has embraced its mission
statement, ``Kingdom Building, One Soul at a Time.''
The first meeting to organize an AME church in the Clear Lake City
area began with prayer and praise on August 18, 1992, in the home of
Reverend Brenda Payne and her family. Bro. Jerry Payne led the praise
service, Presiding Elder X.L. Williams of the South Houston District
read the scripture, and Rev. Payne offered prayer. There were nine
adults and five children present at the very first worship service.
In October 1992, at the Texas Annual Conference held at Shiloh AME
Church in Galveston, Texas, Bishop John R. Bryant formally gave Rev.
Brenda Payne an appointment to begin a mission church in the Clear Lake
area. On November 29, 1992, Clear Lake AME held its first 11 AM worship
service at the Piper's Meadow Community Center in Webster, Texas. Bible
study continued initially in the home of the pastor until it was moved
to the Piper's Meadow Community Center in July 1993. Clear Lake added
Sunday Church School at Piper's Meadow on January 9, 1994.
On March 3, 1995, Clear Lake AME glorified God for the first time in
a new ``home'' located on El Camino Real road. The Nehemiah Ministry,
under the direction of Wilbert Williams, built an altar and carpeted
the pulpit area, helping to transform the former office space into a
church sanctuary. On April 16, 1996, Clear Lake AME Church purchased
3.5 acres near the NASA Johnson Space Center and the University of
Houston--Clear Lake. This land is believed to be the first church
property purchased by African Americans in the historic Clear Lake
area.
In October 1999, Clear Lake AME Church joined with Primm Chapel AME
Church, LaMarque, Reedy Chapel AME Church, Galveston, and St. James AME
Church, Dickinson to form the ``Mainland 4.'' The four churches, though
small in numerical size, hosted the Texas Annual Conference.
At the 134th Session of the Texas Annual Conference in October 2000,
Bishop McKinley Young appointed Rev. Arthur Ferguson Pastor of Clear
Lake AME Church. Rev. Arthur Ferguson preached the gospel of peace,
love, and reconciliation, preparing the church to grow and become a
beacon in the Clear Lake community.
On Saturday, November 18, 2006, at the Post Conference Planning
Meeting of the Texas Annual Conference, Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram,
Presiding Prelate, appointed Reverend Kevin L. Hodge to serve as Pastor
of Clear Lake AME Church. Pastor Hodge and his new bride, First Lady
LaShawn Hodge, came with a vision to take the congregation ``to the
next level'' of spiritual growth, church construction, and church
expansion. On Sunday, July 1, 2007, Clear Lake AME moved the
congregation to its current location on Sea Lark Road.
On Sunday, February 17, 2013, Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie moved
Pastor and Sister Hodge to a ministry at Shiloh AME Church in
Galveston, Texas. On Saturday, March 8, 2013, Reverend Derrick Cyprian
was appointed Pastor of Clear Lake AME Church. Rev. Cyprian, his wife
Chalita, and their two sons, Derrick and Jared, came with excitement
and a desire to help the community reach their committed goals: to grow
spiritually, increase God's kingdom, and build a home sanctuary to
house Clear Lake AME Church ministries.
The Clear Lake African Methodist Episcopal Church is committed to
fulfilling the Great Commission through worship, fellowship, youth
programs, outreach initiatives, and Christian education. The Lord has
used this church as an amazing witness, and we are privileged to have
such a place of worship in the 36th Congressional District of Texas.
____________________