[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 36 (Thursday, March 26, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E487]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO DR. FRANK L. SELKIRK

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KAREN McCARTHY

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 26, 1998

  Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to rise today on 
behalf of the Zion Grove Missionary Baptist Church and its 
congregation. This Sunday, March 29, Dr. Frank L. Selkirk III, a 
respected leader and friend in Kansas City, Missouri will be installed 
as the Senior Pastor.
  The history of Rev. Selkirk and Zion Grove are very much intertwined. 
At the age of eight, Rev. Selkirk became a member of Zion Grove, and at 
the age of twelve, preached his first trial sermon there. He was fondly 
referred to as the ``Boy Wonder'' by ministers in our community. Rev. 
Selkirk has more than the name of his father and grandfather, he 
continues to follow the Selkirk tradition by becoming a third 
generation preacher in his family.
  After graduating from the University of Kansas, he received his 
Master of Divinity at Central Baptist Theological Seminary, and his 
M.A. and Ph.D. at Harvard University. He has traveled extensively to 
sixty countries serving as a minister in several of them. Rev. Selkirk 
has established an outstanding reputation among his peers and is known 
for his down home preaching. Rev. Selkirk has served as senior pastor 
in California and as an area minister for the American Baptist Churches 
where he served ninety churches as ``pastor to pastors.''
  Under his direction as Pastor, the Zion Grove Missionary Baptist 
Church raised one hundred thousand dollars in ninety days to pay off 
the Church mortgage. In celebration of this feat, I joined the entire 
congregation and many guests from our area in January for a mortgage 
Burning Service whose theme was ``Burning the Past--Blazing on Toward 
the New.''
  This is an appropriate theme for Rev. Selkirk's ongoing mission to 
his growing congregation. His goal is to provide day care and after 
school services as additional resources for his congregation. As a 
counselor, gang prevention specialist, and revival preacher, he uses 
his faith as an influential tool to solve the problems which afflict 
our community.
  I recognize Rev. Selkirk today because of his distinguished 
accomplishments. He continues to deliver positive messages to encourage 
a legacy of new beginnings. Rev. Selkirk envisions a future brimming 
with opportunity and charity for all people. Our community is blessed 
to have a leader who creates a significant difference in the lives of 
everyone he encounters. Those that hear his sermons or work with him on 
civic projects realize that he leaves his impression upon their lives. 
Recipients of his message walk away with a lasting feeling that 
motivates them to take action and use their talents to better the lives 
of everyone.
  Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to recognize Rev. Frank Selkirk 
III, and the Zion Grove congregation. Together they have formed a union 
devoted to serving the needs of our community through Christian example 
and duty.

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