July 23, 2026
Pressley Honors the Life and Legacy of Pastor Chris Sumner
“I’ve said so often, I would rather see a sermon than hear one any day, and Chris was a sermon, the best kind.”
WASHINGTON – During a speech on the House floor, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) honored the life and legacy of Pastor Byron Christopher Sumner, a beloved husband, father, and a treasured faith and community leader in Boston.
A transcript of Congresswoman Pressley’s floor speech is available below and the video is available here.
Transcript: Pressley Honors the Life and Legacy of Pastor Chris Sumner
U.S. House of Representatives
July 23, 2026
Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of my family, my husband Conan, our daughter Cora, and the City of Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to honor the life of Pastor Byron Christopher Sumner, a beloved son of Roxbury.
Chris deserved to grow old, but he transitioned on July 5th due to complications from ALS.
He excelled from a young age at athletics, particularly basketball, which brought him to Canada, where he earned scholarships and eventually played semi-pro.
But his commitment, talent, agility, and strength went beyond the court.
He returned to Boston, where he devoted his career to serving his community as Executive Director of the I Have a Dream Program, Blue Hill Boys and Girls Club, Boston Ten Point Coalition, and St. Stephen’s Youth Programs.
His final role was an appointment from Governor Healey as Executive Director of the Melnea Cass Recreation Center—what he often called his dream job.
But Chris’s true passion was his family and his faith.
I’ve said so often, I would rather see a sermon than hear one any day, and Chris was a sermon, the best kind.
He married his wife Katani in 1985, and they raised three beautiful children: Kandice, Kourtney, and Kristian.
He also faithfully served as Executive Director, Executive Pastor of Jubilee Christian Church, supporting our community with spiritual covering, stewardship, and most of all joy.
As we grieve his loss, may we move forward in service of our children, young adults, families, and elders, or, as Chris would say, our city’s “treasured assets.”
May he rest peacefully, in eternal rest.
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