[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 47 (Tuesday, April 26, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: April 26, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
              CONGRESSMAN KILDEE HONORS CYNTHIA PERRY RAY

                                 ______


                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 26, 1994

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to pay tribute to an 
exceptional American, Mrs. Cynthia Perry Ray. On Sunday, April 24, 
1994, I will join the members of the Crystal Lake District Association 
at Trinity Missionary Church in Pontiac, MI to recognize Mrs. Ray's 
numerous achievements.
  Cynthia Perry Ray, a native of Pennsylvania, moved to her present 
home in Brooklyn, NY in 1968 to be with her new husband, Dr. Sandy F. 
Ray, the late pastor of Cornerstone Missionary Baptist Church. As the 
``First Lady'' of Cornerstone Baptist, Mrs. Ray became involved in many 
activities focusing on the spiritual enrichment of the congregation as 
well as the community at large.
  Mrs. Ray serves as a missionary and instructor during religious 
emphasis week. She founded the Agape Feast which is held annually on 
the Thursday prior to Good Friday after prayer services. Cynthia Ray 
also works on the local, national and international levels to promote 
Christian fellowship and leadership among our youth.
  Cynthia Perry Ray currently holds the position of first vice-
president of the National Baptist Convention Incorporated Women's 
Auxiliary. Mrs. Ray has served in this position since September 1992. 
Emulating the name of her home church, Cynthia Ray has been a 
cornerstone of the women's auxiliary since becoming a member. Before 
attaining the position of first vice-president, she served as its 
corresponding secretary as well as its third and second vice-president.
  In addition to her current position with the National Baptist 
Convention, Cynthia Perry Ray has served on the board of directors of 
the American Bible Society. She is the past president of Church Women 
United and the former principal of the Mount Pistah Christian Academy 
in Brooklyn, NY. Mrs. Ray continues to serve as dean of the 
International association of Ministers Wives and Ministers Widows and 
is a life member of the National Council of Negro Women. She is a life 
member of the Women's Convention Auxiliary of the National Baptist 
Convention USA Inc. Amazingly, she continues to work as an elementary 
school teacher in the Brooklyn, NY public schools.
  Cynthia Perry Ray has received numerous awards over the years 
including the Allen Jordan Movement Award in February 1993. In 
September 1993, she received the Business and Professional Women's Dr. 
Sandy Ray Humanitarian Award, joining the ranks of noted post 
recipients such as Dr. Benjamin Hooks and U.S. Representative Charles 
Rangel.
  Cynthia Perry Ray and her husband, Dr. Sandy Ray, worked tirelessly 
to instill a strong sense of Christian values in their children. Mrs. 
Ray continues to provide spiritual guidance for her family and is a 
proud mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Despite her extremely 
busy schedule, Cynthia Ray still finds time to design and make her own 
clothes. Mrs. Ray is also an avid golfer.
  Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor for me to rise before you and my 
fellow Members of the 103d Congress to honor Mrs. Cynthia Perry Ray. 
Her life's story has been an inspiration to me and should serve as an 
example for all Americans.

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