Reverend Dr. Howard Siplin
Beulah Missionary Baptist Church
Coconut Grove, FL
Sponsor: Rep. Frederica Wilson, (D-FL)
Date of Prayer: 06/28/2017
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to welcome the esteemed Reverend Dr. Howard Siplin to the House floor as our guest
chaplain.
Reverend Dr. Siplin was my classmate from first grade to twelfth grade in Miami–Dade County Public Schools.
Reverend Siplin is the senior pastor of Beulah Missionary Baptist
Church located in Coconut Grove, Florida.
Before joining the ministry, Reverend Siplin proudly served in law enforcement. He is a graduate of the Miami–Dade Police Academy who made history by earning the distinction of becoming the first African American to serve as president of the Fraternal Order of Police.
Three years ago, after joining Beulah Missionary Baptist Church, Reverend Siplin was ordained a deacon and later became hairman of the church's deacon ministry.
He was called to preach in the year 2000 and, in August 2003, was ordained and installed to serve as the church's pastor. Under his leadership, Beulah Missionary Baptist has helped the surrounding
community confront and combat various challenges. He also has used his experience in law enforcement to help forge and strengthen bonds between residents and local police.
Reverend Siplin has dedicated himself to educating members of the
Beulah Missionary Baptist Church community to live spiritual lives so that they can be productive citizens.
He holds a bachelor's and master's of ministry degree from the Jacksonville Baptist Theological Seminary. In 2014, the seminary
awarded him an honorary doctorate degree.
Reverend Siplin is married to the former Zelma Ferguson who is with him here today. Her father, the late Reverend E. R. Ferguson, founded Beulah Missionary Baptist Church in 1954. They are the proud parents of
4 children, 11 grandchildren, and 2 great–grandchildren.
Mr. Speaker, I ask everyone to join me in thanking Reverend Siplin
for leading today's opening prayer and to thank him for his outstanding service to the south Florida community.
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
Lord God, almighty giver of all good gifts and authority, I stand humbly before You today to pray for the sins of this country, to ask for Your forgiveness, and to express our gratitude to You for this great country which we live in during these difficult times.
Father, I pray for the success and healing of all who labor here in the House of Representatives working together to use their influence and opportunities to change the world and make it better.
Heavenly Father, bless all our leaders of this great Nation as they face the ongoing challenges, give them the right spirit to do the right thing for the needs of all the people.
Father, keep us all in the hollow of Your hand, we give You honor and glory now and forever.
In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory