[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 82 (Thursday, June 12, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1197]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     A TRIBUTE TO DONALD V. WEIDMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ROY BLUNT

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 12, 1997

  Mr. BLUNT. Mr. Speaker, for more than 50 years, Donald V. Weidman has 
been an effective minister of the Christian gospel. Since 1987, he has 
served with distinction as executive director of the Missouri Baptist 
Convention, the statewide association of the more than 1,900 churches 
and 625,000 members affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention. 
Recently, he announced plans to retire effective August 31, 1997.
  As early as the 1940's, Don was a member and leader of gospel music 
groups that traveled extensively in the Midwest. Later, he would enter 
full-time ministry and serve as the pastor of growing churches in 
DeSoto, St. Louis, Liberty, and Kansas City, MO. As a denomination 
stateman, he served with distinction as second vice president of the 
16-million member Southern Baptist Convention and as president of the 
Missouri Baptist Convention. He has been on the boards of trustees for 
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, TX; William 
Jewell College in Liberty, MO; and Baptist Memorial Health Care Systems 
in Kansas City.
  Missouri Baptists have experienced exceptional growth during his 
years as executive director. A crowing achievement of those years is 
the current missions and ministry partnership Missouri Baptists have 
with Baptists in the Republic of Belarus, one of the former Soviet 
republics.
  Don's work extends beyond Baptist circles, however. He has been 
active in civic clubs, Chambers of Commerce and United Way in every 
community where he has lived.
  Don's wife, Marian, has been a faithful partner is his ministry. 
Three of their four children are in full-time vocational ministry. 
Another daughter is an active lay leader in her church.
  Don Weidman's compassion, humor, and common sense have served 
Missouri Baptists well in challenging times. His faith and commitment 
to seek and follow God's will set a great example for denominational 
leaders across America.

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