[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 130 (Saturday, August 5, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1659]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


     MATTHEW ADAMS, JR. HONORED FOR SERVICE TO COMMUNITY AND CHURCH

                                 ______


                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 4, 1995
  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Matthew Adams, 
Jr., who is celebrating 26 years in the ministry and 11 years of 
service as pastor of Grace United Methodist Church.
  Dr. Adams began his service with the ministry in 1969, when he joined 
the Metropolitan Community Methodist Church. During his tenure there, 
he served as community developer and was also the youth minister. In 
1977, Dr. Adams became pastor of St. Luke's United Methodist Church in 
New Rochelle, NY. His impact on the community was tremendous, as he 
wasted no time in starting a children's choir, a gospel choir, an 
inspirational choir, and a prison ministry. Under his inspirational 
leadership the church building was also beautifully renovated and 
restored.
  It was in 1984 that Dr. Adams became pastor of Grace United Methodist 
Church in New York. When he first arrived at Grace UMC he was entering 
a despondent community that had just lost their church building to a 
tragic fire. Dr. Adams helped rebuild not only a new church, but also 
strengthened the ministry's faith and spirit. After sharing space with 
Trinity Lutheran Church, Dr. Adams and the congregation proudly entered 
their new church on December 22, 1991.
  During the last 11 years, Dr. Adams' brand of urban ministry has 
helped Grace UMC reach further out into the surrounding community. 
Under his outreach programs, the ministry has organized a children's 
choir, a Christian Academy, and a program called, God's People With A 
Purpose, which provides assistance and food for the homeless and needy.
  In recognition for his outstanding service to the community, Dr. 
Adams has received several awards, including the Dr. Martin Luther 
King, Jr. Humanitarian Award. He has also received the Ted Weiss 
Community Service Award in recognition of his distinguished leadership 
of Grace United Methodist Church for his contributions to the Upper 
West Side Community.
  In addition to being a gifted minister and community activist, Dr. 
Adams is also a devoted family man. The support and love of his wife 
Anzetta King Adams and two wonderful children, Martin Luther and Tammi 
Marie give Dr. Adams the inspiration he needs to bring joy and 
happiness to his congregation day in and day out.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Dr. Matthew Adams on his 26 
years of faithful service in the ministry. In addition, I hope my 
colleagues will join me in wishing him continued success as pastor of 
Grace United Methodist Church.


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