[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 144 (Thursday, October 6, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 6, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
 A TRIBUTE TO ALLEN TEMPLE BAPTIST CHURCH UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF REV. 
              J. ALFRED SMITH, SR., AND REV. J. SMITH, JR.

                                 ______


                         HON. RONALD V. DELLUMS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 5, 1994

  Mr. DELLUMS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with pride and honor to share 
with you and my colleagues a tribute to Allen Temple Baptist Church in 
celebration of its 75th anniversary as a pillar and institution in 
Oakland, CA. Located in the heart of East Oakland and under the 
leadership of Rev. Dr. J. Alfred Smith, Sr., and Rev. J. Smith, Jr., 
Copastor, the church has grown from 21 members in 1919 to over 4,000 
members. Allen Temple Baptist Church services thousands of citizens 
through numerous ministries and community services. The current church 
includes a 1,500 seat sanctuary with educational facilities and, 
through its development corporation, has constructed two senior citizen 
housing complexes with 126 apartments. Future plans include building a 
family life center.
  Allen Temple's commitment to its community is long and deep. Church 
sponsored Scout and athletic programs minister to youth while social 
service programs provide help with food, housing, clothing, crisis 
assistance programs, and employment services. Health, education, and 
senior programs serve those with special needs. The church's broader 
ministries include the support of a school, church, and health clinic 
in Sierra Leone, West Africa. The four-star rated Allen Temple Federal 
Credit Union, with assets over $2 million, is the only financial 
institution serving the East Oakland community and Allen Temple 
members.
  Allen Temple sponsors a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program. The 
members of the business and professional women committee raise over 
$50,000 in scholarships for students with a financial need. Under the 
leadership of Dr. Smith, a ministers-in-training program has been 
established for young ministers preparing for the ministry. Ten 
ministers from the program were ordained in July 1993.
  Dr. J. Alfred Smith, Sr., has served Allen Temple for 23 years. 
Recipient of over 175 awards, Dr. Smith serves on community and 
corporate boards, including the chancellor's advisory board at the 
University of California at Berkeley. He is the founder of the Bay Area 
Black United Fund, and chairman of the public safety task force which 
recently sponsored a city-wide conference on violence prevention.
  I pay tribute to the achievements of Allen Temple Baptist Church and 
its continued success as a stable, influential pillar of the community.

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