Tribute to Maranatha Fellowship Church

TRIBUTE TO MARANATHA FELLOWSHIP CHURCH -- (Extensions of Remarks - November 18, 2004)

SPEECH OF
HON. SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO
OF WEST VIRGINIA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2004

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Maranatha Fellowship Church in Saint Albans, West Virginia, and their celebration of twenty-eight (28) years of service to the Kanawha Valley and surrounding area.

On October 13, 1976, Pastor James R. Wright, Jr. held a service in the living room of a home in Dunbar, West Virginia. Twenty-eight (28) years later, Maranatha and Rev. Wright minister to a loving, caring congregation of over 3,000 people from every walk of life.

In particular, I acknowledge Dr. James R. Wright, Jr., Pastor of Maranatha Fellowship Church. Through Dr. Wright's vision and leadership, this church has made a significant contribution to the lives of thousands of West Virginians.

Maranatha is also widely known for the Semi-annual Passion Play that was created by Virginia Wright, wife of Pastor James Wright. This play reaches 15,000-18,000 people in eight performances, which is another example of this church's ever-growing ministry.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring Maranatha Fellowship Church as they celebrate their twenty-eight years of ministry to the Kanawha Valley and West Virginia.