[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 34 (Wednesday, March 23, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 23, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                   TRIBUTE TO REV. A. DOUGLAS THOMAS

                                 ______


                          HON. JULIAN C. DIXON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 23, 1994

  Mr. DIXON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to the 
distinguished Reverend A. Douglas Thomas who recently retired as pastor 
of the Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church after 28 years of dedicated 
service and spiritual leadership.
  Born in Shreveport, LA, Reverend Thomas was educated by the 
Shreveport public school system and later attended the University of 
California and the American Baptist Seminary. He also worked toward a 
masters of arts degree at the Fuller Theological Seminary.
  Upon arriving in Pasadena, CA, Reverend Thomas ministered at the 
Metropolitan Baptist Church. In 1962, he became the pastor of St. 
Matthew Baptist Church in Merced, CA, and continued in that position 
for 4 years. In 1966, Reverend Thomas answered the call of the board of 
deacons of the Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church, to become the church's 
seventh pastor.
  Under his leadership and spiritual guidance, the Lincoln Avenue 
Baptist Church flourished and grew from a small church to a 
congregation of over 1,100 members. In little more than 10 years, a new 
church building was constructed and the Lincoln Avenue Education Center 
was established. Through this center, Reverend Thomas created the first 
tutorial program in Pasadena. In testimony to his inspiring 
achievements, Reverend Thomas became affectionately known as the 
builder pastor. While continuing his diligent work at Lincoln Avenue 
Baptist Church, Reverend Thomas also served as president of the 
Interdenominational Ministers' Alliance from 1969 through 1971.
  With remarkable dedication, Reverend Thomas has been a powerful force 
for spiritual development throughout the years. Mr. Speaker, I ask my 
colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in commending 
Rev. A. Douglas Thomas on his commitment to the parishioners of the 
Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church and to the Pasadena community.

                          ____________________