WASHINGTON, DC . . .  Today Rep. Ralph Hall (TX-04) welcomed Guest Chaplain, the Reverend Dr. Joe C. Pool, pastor at First United Methodist Church of Rockwall, Texas, who delivered the Opening Prayer on the Floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Following the prayer, Rep. Hall gave the following statement: 

"Mr. Speaker, I am honored today to recognize our Guest Chaplain, the Reverend Dr. Joe C. Pool, pastor of my home church, The First United Methodist Church of Rockwall, Texas. Rev. Pool's ministry spans more than thirty years in North Texas and includes serving as Associate Pastor in Dallas and as Pastor in Irving and Gainesville prior to serving in Rockwall.

"Rev. Pool earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, and earned both a Master of Theology degree and the Doctor of Ministry degree from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University. He has been a longtime member of the Executive Board and the Mentor Pastor Program at Perkins.

"Over the past quarter of a century, Rev. Pool has led mission trips to the Appalachia region, Mexico, and the Navajo Nation. He has been involved in hurricane recovery and rebuilding efforts throughout Texas and Louisiana following hurricanes Andrew, Katrina, and Rita. Active in community service, he was selected as an Outstanding Young Man of America three times and also was selected for inclusion in Who's Who in America.

"Rev. Pool is bless by his wife, Becky, and three children, Candace, Corey, and Amanda, and Rockwall in turn is blessed by this minister and his family. Rev. Pool is known as a wonderful preacher, teacher, and friend of many, and may God continue to bless his life and his ministry for many years to come."

###