[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 34 (Monday, March 17, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E487]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO REV. LESTER PRATT, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 17, 1997

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Rev. John Lester 
Pratt, Sr., pastor of Zion Shiloh Baptist Church. Reverend Pratt was 
born in Fredericksburg, VA, and attended Storer College in Harpers 
Ferry, WV. As an undergraduate he majored in education. He graduated 
from Manhattan Bible Institute and American Divinity School of 
Religion; earning undergraduate and masters degrees in theology.
  In 1977 he was elected pastor of Zion Shiloh Baptist Church. He 
abides by the philosophy of, ``I accept the challenge.'' Currently he 
is serving as secretary of the Progressive National Baptist Convention. 
Pastor Pratt has served as past moderator of New York Missionary 
Baptist Association, been a member of Cumberland Community Board and 
served as a member of the board of Hampton Ministers Conference.
  The reverend is married to Mrs. Gertrude Pratt, and they are the 
proud parents of two sons, Leo, John, Jr., grandson, Leo Sterling 
Pratt, and have a wonderful daughter-in-law, Michelle. It is my 
pleasure to introduce Rev. Lester Pratt, Sr., to my House colleagues.

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