[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 45 (Wednesday, April 16, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E674]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  A TRIBUTE TO JOYCE GAMBRELL DRAYTON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. THOMAS M. FOGLIETTA

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 16, 1997

  Mr. FOGLIETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Joyce 
Gambrell Drayton in honor of her lifelong dedication to the art of 
sacred choral music. Ms. Drayton has lived in Philadelphia all her 
life, and has enriched our community with her musical talents since her 
early days playing organ for the Nazarene Baptist Church School Choir.
  Ms. Drayton has served over 37 years in the Nazarene Baptist Church, 
where she is the organist for the senior choir, the Davis Gospel 
Chorus, and the women's chorus. In addition, Ms. Drayton is the 
organist and director of the Hardeman Gospel Chorus of the Hickman 
Temple AME Church. In 1987, Ms. Drayton added to her accomplishments 
when she was appointed director of the City Wide Revival Choir.
  Ms. Drayton's latest project is the publishing of ``Distinguished 
Church Musicians in the United States,'' a book she hopes will bring 
recognition to her craft and attract more young people into the field 
of church music.
  Ms. Drayton was recently honored at a dinner reception at the 
Nazarene Baptist Church in Nicetown, Philadelphia. I would like to take 
this opportunity, and I hope my colleagues will join me, Mr. Speaker, 
in recognizing Ms. Drayton for her contributions to Philadelphia's 
musical tradition and commend her for her dedication to her craft.

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