[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 26 (Thursday, March 12, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E365]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO PASTOR T.L. BARRETT, JR., PASTOR OF THE LIFE CENTER CHURCH 
                 OF GOD IN CHRIST OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

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                           HON. BOBBY L. RUSH

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 12, 1998

  Mr. RUSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Pastor T.L. 
Barrett, Jr. on the occasion of his celebration of his Thirtieth year 
in the Pastoral ministry. Pastor Barrett serves proudly and with 
distinction as the Pastor of the Life Center Church of God in Christ in 
Chicago.
  Pastor Barrett has served in the Gospel Ministry for thirty-five 
years, accepting the call of the Lord at the age of nineteen. Pastor 
Barrett is the recipient of two honorary doctoral degrees. He holds the 
Doctorate of Divinity and Doctorate of Humane Letters from the 
University of Monrovia in Monrovia, Liberia, West Africa. Under the 
leadership of Bishop Ocie Booker, Prelate--First Ecclesiastical 
Jurisdiction of Illinois, Churches of God in Christ, Pastor Barrett 
serves as Superintendent of the E. Burns Memorial District.
  In 1968, the Lord directed Pastor Barrett to organize the Mr. Zion 
Baptist Church. Pastor Barrett moved the church to its present location 
in 1983, where being led by Christ, the name was changed to Life 
Center. With the power of the Holy Spirit, Pastor Barrett has 
demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the foundation of the 
Christian mission, leading souls to repentance.
  Building a ministry that focuses on the total man, Pastor Barrett is 
an outstanding motivational speaker and teacher. He is the author of 
many publications on the science of better living and positive 
thinking. He has organized numerous programs in the Robert Taylor Homes 
public housing complex, including the Big Brother and Sister program 
and the Life Enrichment program. Pastor Barrett is the proud father of 
13 children and 12 grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to encourage Pastor T.L. Barrett, Jr., Pastor of 
the Life Center Church of God in Christ to continue to be steadfast and 
unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. I am truly 
honored to pay tribute to this outstanding Servant of God and am 
privileged to enter these words into the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD of the 
United States House of Representatives.

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