Welcoming Rev. Elliott J. Powell

Floor Speech

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Mr. ARRINGTON. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor and delight to hear the familiar voice of my pastor, Elliott Powell, opening up the people's House with prayer, a tradition that began at the very first Congress in 1789.

Reverend Powell is the pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Lubbock, Texas, USA. He is joined today in the Chamber gallery by his wife, Shannon Aycock Powell, and their three children: Lila, Charyssa, and Adam; and his niece, Chloe.

My wife, Anne, and I have been blessed beyond measure to be a part of the Westminster community, and we are exceedingly grateful for the prayers, support, and friendship of our fellow parishioners.

Mr. Speaker, the 19-century French philosopher, Alexis de Tocqueville, traveled across the United States in the early 1800s in search of what he said was ``America's genius and greatness.'' He said that it wasn't in the commodious harbors or the fertile fields, not the public schools or institutions of higher learning, not the democratic Congress even, or our matchless Constitution, believe it or not.

He said that it wasn't until I entered into the churches of America and with their pulpits aflame with the Gospel of Jesus that I understood ``the secret of her genius and power.''

That is when he coined that famous phrase: ``America is great because America is good.''

Mr. Speaker, may God continue to bless America through the goodness of His church and His many faithful under-shepherds like my dear friend, Elliott Powell.

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