[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 118 (Friday, August 19, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


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

 
CHIEF OF ARMY CHAPLAINS, MAJ. GEN. MATTHEW A. ZIMMERMAN, JR., A STEWARD 
                                OF SOULS

                                 ______


                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, August 18, 1994

  Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to the 
attention of my colleagues the retirement of Chaplain, Maj. Gen. 
Matthew A. Zimmerman, Jr., Chief of Army Chaplains. Major General 
Zimmerman will retire on August 31, 1994 after 26 years of dedicated 
service.
  There is always a sense of renewal in acknowledging the development, 
growth and success of men and women who are destined to lead and make 
changes. Major General Zimmerman has made a difference in many lives 
and will continue to do so. He has served at virtually every level of 
the Chaplaincy, from a Battalion Chaplain in Vietnam to Chief of Army 
Chaplains--the first African-American to become Chief of Chaplains of 
any service.
  When we talk of leading by example, we can speak of no one more 
stellar or better prepared than Matthew A. Zimmerman, Jr. to ``shepherd 
the flock''. Chaplain Zimmerman was born in Rock Hill, SC. He holds a 
bachelor of science degree in biology and chemistry from Benedict 
College, a master of divinity degree from Duke University, and a master 
of science degree in guidance and counseling from Long Island 
University. Chaplain Zimmerman is ordained by the National Baptist 
Convention and is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and Kiwanis 
International. Major General Zimmerman uses his educational, spiritual, 
and social talents to foster the good in mankind, to protect and 
nurture those who need comforting, and to challenge those who need a 
``jump start'' in life.
  On March 20, 1990, I had the privilege of welcoming then Brig. Gen. 
Matthew A. Zimmerman, Jr. to the House of Representatives when he 
served as a guest chaplain. He offered the following prayer:

       Almighty God, our Creator, as we pause here today in work 
     and fellowship, we acknowledge, appreciate, and applaud the 
     uniqueness of this body's interests, talents, and work. We 
     are grateful that its efforts can be defined in terms of 
     stewardship; stewardship of the well-being of this Nation and 
     its people.
       Help each Member, we pray, better to maintain an 
     understanding and profound appreciation of the nature and the 
     implications of their charter. Bless this body and its 
     Members as agents of change and facilitators for excellence 
     in the quality of our citizens' lives. As stewards of 
     effectiveness and excellence, continue to challenge them with 
     a firm recognition of the dignity and worth of our citizens.
       Give to each of them generous portions of Your wisdom, 
     grace, and strength. Enable them to believe strongly in what 
     they do; remain confident in their objectives and abilities, 
     to be aware of and celebrate the humanity of our people, and 
     certainly to maintain a good sense of humor.
       In Your name and with your peace we pray. Amen.

  These words attest to the type of community and spiritual leader 
Major General Zimmerman is, indeed a steward of man and his soul. Mr. 
Speaker, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. His father, the Rev. 
Matthew A. Zimmerman, Sr., pastor of the Greater Abyssinian Baptist 
Church in my hometown of Newark, NJ, is the same type of leader. Always 
at the forefront of major issues the senior Reverend Zimmerman has used 
his vision and stability to prepare his congregation for the 21st 
century.
  Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues will want to join me as I 
congratulate Chaplain, Maj. Gen. Matthew A. Zimmerman, Jr. on his 
outstanding career and wish him well in his retirement.

                          ____________________