SENATOR COLLINS WELCOMES REVEREND FROM MAINE

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator Susan Collins was pleased to welcome Reverend Kenneth Dutille, Jr. to the United States Senate today.  Reverend Dutille, of the Swans Island Atlantic Baptist Church, was invited to deliver the opening prayer.               “Pastor Dutille’s words give direction and purpose to our work.  His actions inspire us; they are a vivid reminder of the commitment and compassion that exist among people of faith throughout our nation,” said Senator Collins.                Reverend Dutille’s church is joined with churches on three other Maine islands to form the Maine Sea Coast Mission.  This non-denominational organization was founded more than a century ago to provide spiritual guidance and educations opportunities to remote seafaring communities of Downeast Maine.  The Maine Sea Coast Mission began a Telemedicine Program operating from the ship, Sunbeam, and serving thee islands; Frenchboro, Matinicus and Swans in 2002. This program grew and matured in a variety of ways in 2003 and is now called the “Sunbeam Island Health Services.”               “It is a great pleasure to have such a dedicated spiritual and civic leader with us in the Senate today, and I am sure I speak for all my colleagues in extending a warm welcome and in giving thanks for his inspiring prayer.”   ###   (*PHOTO ATTACHED* Pictured L to R: Pat Dutille (Rev. Dutille’s wife); Rev. Barry Black, Senate Chaplain; Rev. Kenneth Dutille; Senator Collins; and Alex Moulton (Rev. Dutille’s granddaughter).