[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 135 (Thursday, October 2, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1909]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING DR. W.J. HALL'S 36TH PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY AT BETHEL BAPTIST 
                                 CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 30, 1997

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. W.J. Hall's 36th 
pastoral anniversary at Bethel Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY.
  Dr. W.J. Hall is a native of Oxford, NC. He assumed responsibilities 
as pastor of Bethel Baptist Church in June 1961. Prior to his 
appointment at Bethel Baptist Church, Reverend Hall had a vast amount 
of experience in pastoring in Henderson and Oxford, NC, respectively. 
His pastoring was coupled with teaching in the public school system of 
North Carolina.
  Since Dr. Hall's tenure at Bethel Baptist Church, many wonderful 
things have happened to the Church, to the people of the congregation, 
and to the South Brooklyn community as well. As a civil rights 
activist, Dr. Hall worked very closely with the Reverend Dr. Martin 
Luther King, Jr. by helping minorities obtain employment. Moreover, in 
the South Brooklyn community that surrounds Bethel Baptist Church, Dr. 
Hall has made it possible for minorities to have medical services such 
as family planning and pre-natal care. Dr. Hall also established the 
Bethel Baptist Church Day Care Center which provides day care for 
children of working parents. The center also allows qualified 
professionals gainful employment within the community.
  As senior pastor of Bethel Baptist Church, Reverend Hall has led the 
congregation through two extensive renovations to Bethel Baptist 
Church, and is currently embarking upon another major renovation. 
Through his zealous advocacy, Dr. Hall's has made it possible for 
parishioners to improve their credit rating and to have the freedom to 
borrow money through a Federal credit union. Presently, Dr. Hall has 
plans on the drawing board for a Senior Citizens Housing Development. 
He is truly a beacon of hope for the Brooklyn community.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in saluting Dr. W.J. Hall on the 
occasion of his 36th pastoral anniversary at Bethel Baptist Church.

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