[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 63 (Thursday, May 19, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 19, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
TRIBUTE IN HONOR OF RETIREMENT OF REVEREND WILLIAM G. PERDUE AS PASTOR 
                 OF THE BAPTIST TEMPLE, SAN ANTONIO, TX

                                 ______


                           HON. FRANK TEJEDA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 19, 1994

  Mr. TEJEDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great respect for one of 
the truly remarkable leaders in San Antonio, TX: the reverend William 
G. Perdue. Brother Bill, as he is affectionately known by so many, 
celebrated his retirement last month as pastor of the Baptist Temple. 
While we will miss his strength of character and his personal warmth, 
we celebrate his many successes over the past years and know that his 
leadership--and that of his wife Charlene--will pass to and inspire the 
next generation. The entire community expresses its deepest thanks for 
his labor of love, dedication to community, and devotion to family.
  Pastor Perdue and his wife came to San Antonio some 15 years ago, 
having served in pastorates around the State of Texas since 1957. Their 
accomplishments speak for themselves, reflecting the Perdues' vision 
for the future. The Baptist Temple today is larger, more modern, and 
serves more people in so many important ways because of their hard work 
and foresight. The church budget has doubled, $2\1/2\ million have been 
spent on upgrading the church's facilities with no long-term 
indebtedness, and the temple consistently leads in giving. The Baptist 
Temple serves as a church and community center, responding to the needs 
of its diverse congregation.
  While building up traditional structures, the Perdues have not 
hesitated to create innovative ministries to meet the challenges of our 
complex world. The Baptist Temple has developed a retreat ministry in 
Texas' hill country, and the church owns and operates a 5-acre park in 
my congressional district. To offer aid to the community it serves, the 
Perdues have opened the doors of the Baptist Temple to anti-drug and 
anti-crime organizations reaching out to our youth. In these troubling 
times, with so many of our young children lost, the Perdues and their 
church offer guidance and wisdom.
  Many have recognized the rare talents of the Perdues. Reverend Perdue 
has served on numerous Baptist boards in positions of responsibility, 
including as chairman of the Baptist general convention of Texas' State 
Missions Commission, chairman of the San Antonio Hispanic Theological 
Seminary's board of trustees, adjunct professor at the Southwestern 
Baptist Theological Seminary, steering committee member for the 
homeless initiative of the United Way, and the list goes on. This 
litany of service reflects Reverend Perdue's sincere commitment to the 
Baptist ministry and his community. The Perdues' five children reflect 
their parents' values of devotion to community and country, having 
chosen careers in the military, business, law enforcement, and the 
church.
  No one questions that the Perdues have given greatly to their 
congregrants and to the people of Texas. I would add, Mr. Speaker, that 
they have contributed to our Nation in the example they have set. In 
this time, as we search for positive role models, we only need look to 
the Perdues whose life accomplishments reflect the highest ideals.

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