Pastor Stan Samson and Wife Marsha
Established in the early 2000s, the Dubuque Paradise Church serves as a spiritual and cultural center for Marshallese migrants in the Dubuque area.
The church's origins can be traced back to the growing Marshallese population in Dubuque, which was primarily drawn to the region by employment opportunities in the local meatpacking industry.
As more and more Marshallese families settled in Dubuque, the leaders of a Marshallese church in Oklahoma met together with Dubuque community leaders to establish the Dubuque Paradise Church. Initially meeting in small, rented spaces, the church provided a welcoming environment where Marshallese migrants could come together to worship, socialize, and support one another.
Over the years, Dubuque Paradise Church has grown both in size and influence, becoming a focal point of the Marshallese community in Dubuque. Beyond its role as a place of worship, Dubuque Paradise Church plays a vital role in providing support and resources to the Marshallese community, serving as a hub for educational programs, social services, and cultural events.