[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 84 (Tuesday, June 17, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1227]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     REV. DR. EDWARD D. SMART, JR.--A MAN OF PRINCIPLE AND COURAGE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 17, 1997

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to the attention of my 
colleagues an event that was held this past Saturday. It was a 
reception held for Rev. Dr. Edward D. Smart, Jr. Rev. Dr. Smart is the 
shepherd of the Israel Memorial AME Church in Newark, NJ.
  Rev. Dr. Smart is the epitome of leadership. He is courageous and 
committed to serving the members of our community, especially our young 
people. Serving by example is his method. He attended Fisk University 
where he was a Fisk Jubilee singer. He is a graduate of Penn State 
University with a degree in political science. He did graduate work at 
Shippenburg University and received his ministerial preparation at 
Gettysburg Theological Seminary. He holds a doctorate from the 
University of California. He is a member of the Essex County Welfare to 
Workfare Task Force. He is the cochairperson of the Newark Fighting 
Back Partnership, a program to reduce the demand for illicit drugs and 
alcohol. He has been involved since its inception. He has been 
integrally involved with the development of the Interfaith Clergy 
Community Alliance which is an effort to increase the aftercare for 
people in recovery by the faith community.
  Israel Memorial AME Church has continued to grow under the 
stewardship of Reverend Smart. It has grown both financially and 
spiritually since his arrival in May 1991. He has faithfully worked to 
carry out its mission, ``Israel Memorial AME Church strives to maintain 
a standard of Christian living within the metropolitan Newark area 
through evangelism, proclamation of the Word, stewardship, worship, 
bible study, and prayer meeting.'' He has been innovative in his 
approach to making life better for everyone he serves, which is the 
entire community. He is not one to take the safe way out always. He is 
a thoughtful risktaker when he feels he is justified in his position on 
certain issues. Because of this, he has garnered the respect and 
support of many.
  Mr. Speaker, I am sure my colleagues would have joined me as I 
congratulated Reverend Smart on his dedication to his faith, our 
community, and our young people.

                          ____________________