[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 92 (Thursday, June 20, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1132-E1133]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 THE CATHEDRAL-SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH: DEDICATED TO SERVING PERTH AMBOY

                                 ______


                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 20, 1996

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker I rise today to honor the Cathedral-Second 
Baptist Church and its work in rebuilding the historic New Jersey city 
of Perth Amboy. The cathedral's latest contribution to Perth Amboy is 
the opening of the Donald Hilliard, Jr., Community Affairs Complex. It 
will open on June 22, 1996.
  The Cathedral-Second Baptist Church has a long, proud history of 
service. Founded in Perth Amboy in 1892, it has provided the residents 
of the city with a place to congregate and celebrate for over 100 
years. Its membership has increased from 125 to over 4,000, and it now 
offers spiritual, moral, and emotional support in 9 different 
neighborhoods. The Cathedral-Second Baptist Church provides a number of 
services, including education through its Cathedral Preparatory 
Academy, aid to the homeless through its many soup kitchens, and 
opportunities for community growth through its multimillion dollar 
Cathedral Community Development Corp. The cathedral and its members 
continuously display a rich faith, a strong sense of community, and 
remarkable altruism.
  The Rev. Doctor Donald Hilliard, Jr. exemplifies the cathedral's 
commitment toward building a better community. An esteemed scholar and 
lecturer, he serves as the senior pastor of the Cathedral-Second 
Baptist Church. Under his leadership, the church has increased its 
budget from $73,000 to $3 million and has become one of the fastest 
growing churches in New Jersey. His Vision 2000 plan provides a food 
pantry, soup kitchen, and clothing distribution center for the 
underprivileged in Perth Amboy.
  The latest contribution of the Cathedral-Second Baptist Church to the 
community is the Donald Hilliard, Jr., Community Affairs Complex. The 
facility includes a senior citizens hall, library, computer center, 
conference rooms, administrative and executive offices,

[[Page E1133]]

and three retail stores. It promises to be a wonderful addition to the 
area.
  This new 38,000 sq. ft. edifice is a testament to the ongoing 
goodwill of the Cathedral-Second Baptist Church and the deep faith and 
charity of its members. I am proud to have such a devoted organization 
in my district and ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing its 
achievements.

                          ____________________