[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 142 (Tuesday, October 21, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2020]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO PASTOR EPHRAIM WILLIAMS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT T. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 21, 1997

  Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of 
California's great spiritual leaders, Pastor Ephraim Williams of St. 
Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Sacramento.
  Today, Pastor Williams will conclude his 5-year tenure as president 
of the California State Baptist Convention. On this special occasion, I 
ask my colleagues to join me in saluting the remarkable evangelical 
contributions Dr. Williams has made while serving in this high 
position.
  During his pastoral career at St. Paul, Dr. Williams has established 
a stellar reputation as a tireless spiritual and community leader in 
the Sacramento area. Yet his contributions extend far beyond St. Paul 
Missionary Baptist Church.
  Through his roles as president of the California State Baptist 
Convention, and vice president of the National Baptist Convention, USA, 
Dr. Williams has proven to be a religious leader of State and national 
prominence.
  Dr. Williams' accomplishments while president of the California State 
Baptist Convention include strengthening the spiritual growth of the 
individual members, pastors, and 230 churches which comprise that 
association. He has also provided non-pastors and laypeople with 
important opportunities to participate in the convention's activities 
and leadership roles.
  Pastor Williams' success as president of the California State Baptist 
Convention is evident in the increasing attendance at the convention 
sessions, as well as in the mutual financial and evangelical support 
the member congregations are offering one another.
  Under Dr. Williams' guidance, the California State Baptist Convention 
assisted churches affected by the spate of arson fires which occurred 
over the past several years. Additionally, he made sure that the 
congregations impacted by these heinous events received the financial 
support necessary to continue functioning.
  Pastor Williams has furthered his religious and civic activities to 
include a broad array of important community-based and evangelical 
organizations. Among these are the California Southern Baptist African-
American Network, for which he serves as first vice president, as well 
as the Christian Education Board, St. Hope Academy, the Sacramento City 
Unified School District Cluster of Schools, and the St. Paul and Oak 
Park Community Outreach Program.
  In 1996, President Clinton hosted Pastor Williams for a meeting at 
the White House. He has also been honored by the California State 
Legislature, Sacramento Mayor Joe Serna, and the Urban League. The 
breadth of the awards and honors Pastor Williams has received is a 
testament to his significant community and evangelical endeavors.
  Mr. Speaker, Dr. Ephraim Williams has contributed greatly to the 
spiritual and civic health of countless Baptist parishioners throughout 
the State of California and the entire Nation. As he steps down today 
as president of the California State Baptist Convention, I ask my 
colleagues to join me in saluting this truly exceptional religious 
leader.

                          ____________________