[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 68 (Thursday, May 26, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


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

 
                     TRIBUTE TO REV. WILLARD PAYTON

                           HON. MEL REYNOLDS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 25, 1994

  Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to the attention of 
my colleagues the outstanding work done by a great leader in my 
congressional district, the Reverend Willard Payton of the New Birth 
Church of God in Christ. Attached is a proclamation I issued Reverend 
Payton commending him for his work.

                              Proclamation

       Whereas the Reverend Willard Payton is a native of Chicago, 
     Illinois born to Glen and Mary Payton (both deceased), he was 
     reared in the Englewood Community by Elder Johnie Wheeler and 
     his wife, Missionary Ethel Wheeler. Reverend Payton is a 
     family man Married to Gloria Lynne Payton for twenty-seven 
     years, God has blessed them with five sons, three daughters, 
     and three grandchildren; and
       Whereas Reverend Payton matriculated at Lindblom High 
     School, Wilson Junior College, Chicago City Colleges, the 
     University of Illinois (Navy Pier), and the Charles Harrison 
     Mason Bible College. A dedicated employee he worked eleven 
     years for LTV Steel in production management, thirteen years 
     for National Retractories and Minerals Corporation as Senior 
     Sales Representative, a past member of the American Institute 
     of Metallurgical Engineers and American Ceramic Society; and
       Whereas, Reverend Payton has been a member of New Birth 
     Church since 1968, he was Ordained an Elder in 1981, served 
     as Assistant Pastor 1986-1991, he was appointed Pastor in 
     October 1991. Reverend Payton is a denominational leader 
     serving the First Jurisdiction of Illinois as Secretary of 
     the Sunday School Department, Assistant Superintendent, 
     Trustee, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, President of the 
     Youth Department, Vice President of the International Youth 
     Department, a member of several standing committees serving 
     Bishop Louis H. Ford, Presiding Bishop, Church of God In 
     Christ, Reverend Payton is a dedicated shepherd, a 
     humanitarian and a true role model in our community; and
       Whereas the New Birth Church of God in Christ was founded 
     in November, 1964 by the late Elder Johnie B. Wheeler with 
     six members, today New Birth Church is an established 
     congregation in the Englewood Community, building the present 
     edifice in 1976, there is a monthly food basket program, 
     Headstart program ages 3 to 6, a Nursing home visitation 
     ministry, and monthly financial support for homeless children 
     in Haiti for over ten years: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Congress of the United States wishes to 
     acknowledge the accomplishments of The Reverend Willard 
     Payton, and the New Birth Church Of God In Christ, Chicago, 
     Illinois by entering these accomplishments into the 
     Congressional Record and Archives of the One Hundred and 
     Third Congress.

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