RECOGNIZING GREATER CENTENNIAL A.M.E. ZION CHURCH

RECOGNIZING GREATER CENTENNIAL A.M.E. ZION CHURCH

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 56 (Wednesday, March 25, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 56 (Wednesday, March 25, 2026)] [House] [Pages H2679-H2680] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING GREATER CENTENNIAL A.M.E. ZION CHURCH (Mr. Latimer of New York was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute the community presence of Greater Centennial A.M.E. Zion Church, a beacon of faith and service in the city of Mount Vernon, New York. Under the spiritual leadership of the Rev. Dr. Stephen Pogue, Greater Centennial traces its founding to 1896, 130 years ago. Those founders' vision has been realized in today's Greater Centennial: dynamic weekly worship services, Bible study classes, weekly prayer call, Sunday school and programs for young people, Wellness Wednesday programs, and in the outreach to assist those of the community in need with food and clothing, as well as seniors in need of companionship and care. Dr. Pogue has led Greater Centennial for over a decade, having served in the ministry previously from Harlem to Oakland, California. He holds master's and doctoral degrees in divinity studies. His service extends beyond the congregation as a chaplain for the Mount Vernon Police Department, vice chair of the Westchester County Human Rights Commission, and membership in prominent African-American organizations, including president of the United Black Clergy. From the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, we salute the Rev. Dr. Stephen Pogue and the church that he shepherds, Greater Centennial A.M.E. Zion Church in Mount Vernon. [[Page H2680]] Recognizing Chance Mullen Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, permit me to extend happy birthday wishes on April 4 to Pelham Mayor Chance Mullen, who is showing talent and leadership in the public sector, as well as in the private nonprofit world. Chance was elected as mayor of the village of Pelham in 2019 and is serving in his fourth term. He served previously as a trustee on the village board. Chance is the chief elected official for Pelham Village, a community of 7,000 people, with all the municipal responsibilities and headaches that come with the position of mayor: the responsibilities for police, fire, sanitation, and the like. Through all of that, Mayor Mullen has done an exemplary job, but that is not his only job. In his professional life, Chance serves as the executive director of the Housing Action Council, a regional nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income households. Finally, Chance Mullen is an active Pelham volunteer: Cub Scouts, Little League baseball, the Picture House, Pelham Civic Association, and more. From the floor of the House of Representatives, I wish a happy birthday to Mayor Chance Mullen and encourage him to take a break for at least one day. Recognizing Election Winners in New York Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, last Wednesday, March 18, was a day for democracy in New York State. Voters in many of our villages went to the polls to elect leaders to serve their home communities, running the village governments that provide basic services in their area: police, fire, sanitation, recreation, snow removal, land use authority, and the like. In Westchester's 16th Congressional District, let me salute those who have won. In the village of Bronxville, Helen Knapp and Vanessa O'Friel were elected as trustees to the Bronxville Village Board. William Prince was elected village justice. In the village of Elmsford, Nelson Lopez and David Signor were elected as trustees to the Elmsford Village Board. In the village of Scarsdale, Tim Foley, Ron Schulhof, and Scott Silberfein were elected as trustees to the Scarsdale Village Board. These elections were held without controversy or incident. There were no claims of illegal voting or stolen elections but just simply democracy at work. I congratulate the winners and thank all who competed in their service to the communities. ____________________