St. Croix pastor leads House prayer, meets with Speaker Johnson

Dexter Skepple, who leads Speak the Word Ministries in Frederiksted, became a guest chaplain in the U.S. House of Representatives on September 17, when he offered the chamber's opening prayer at the invitation of Delegate Stacey Plaskett.

Skepple told the Consortium that he carried the weight of representation with him to Washington. "This was not simply a personal opportunity. I went to Washington carrying St. Croix and the entire U.S. Virgin Islands in my heart," he said. He described the moment as one of the greatest honours of his life, though he saw it as something larger than personal achievement.

Before the legislative session began, Skepple met with House Chaplain Rev. Dr. Margaret Grun Kibben and Speaker Mike Johnson. During their exchange, Skepple raised concerns specific to the territory. Johnson responded by asking what assistance Washington might provide, requested Skepple's contact information and signalled openness to future conversations.

Skepple's prayer sought wisdom, guidance and protection for members of Congress, government officials, families and communities across the nation. The House Office of the Chaplain has formally recorded the prayer in its guest-chaplain archive.

Plaskett entered remarks into the Congressional Record acknowledging Skepple's quarter-century of ministry work in the Virgin Islands, his mentorship of young men, his family counselling and his community engagement. She framed his appearance in the House chamber as a significant moment for the territory.

Following the prayer, Skepple toured the Capitol building and viewed landmarks including the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial from the National Mall. The experience reinforced his conviction about faith and service. "Never limit what God can do with your life. When God opens a door, walk through it with humility, gratitude and faith," he reflected.