[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 129 (Wednesday, September 24, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1841]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          IN HONOR OF THE REVEREND WILLIAM AUGUSTUS JONES, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CHARLES E. SCHUMER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 24, 1997

  Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today and ask my colleagues to join 
me in paying tribute to the Reverend William Augustus Jones, Jr., 
pastor of the Bethany Baptist Church.
  Pastor Jones came to Brooklyn in 1962. Within 5 years he had led a 
congregation to the building of a neogothic edifice now known as the 
Bethany Baptist Church. Under his masterful direction, and with the 
help of a full-time 27 member staff, the church conducts a multifaceted 
program to the community which includes outreach ministries via 
national radio and television.
  Pastor Jones has served as national chairman of SCLC's Operation 
Breadbasket and as a member of the general council of the Baptist World 
Alliance. He was former president of the Progressive National Baptist 
Convention and founder of the National Black Pastor's Conference. In 
1972, he was the recipient of the prestigious Frederick Douglas Award 
presented by the New York Urban League. For many years now he has been 
recognized by a number of distinguished organizations and awarded a 
variety of accolades, including, in 1996, a doctor of literature degree 
by the Evangelical Reformed School of Theology in Toledo, OH.
  In addition to his clerical duties, he finds time to educate by 
serving as a visiting professor at a number of theological seminaries. 
He has also found time to pen such works as, ``The Black Church Looks 
at the Bicentennial, Responsible Preaching'' and ``The African American 
Church: Past, Present and Future.''
  I urge my colleagues here today to join me in recognizing this 
outstanding individual, Pastor Jones, who has dedicated his life to the 
spiritual enhancement and educational improvement of the community. I 
wish to thank you, Pastor Jones, for sharing your gift with us all. 
Also, for showing us that a wholly spiritual life is indeed a 
fulfilling life.

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