[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 86 (Friday, June 26, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1272]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO ELVERA BERGEN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 25, 1998

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to pay tribute 
here in the U.S. House of Representatives to a very special person who 
will be honored this week in my home district in New Jersey, Sister 
Elvera (Vera) Bergen.
  Sister Bergen has served as the organist for Ebenezer A.M.E. Church 
in Rahway for over 37 years, performing a true ``labor of love'' as she 
has shared her wonderful oratory and musical talents to enrich the 
spiritual lives of countless members of the community. A member of the 
First Baptist Church of Cranford, New Jersey and an affiliated member 
of Ebenezer A.M.E., she is widely admired and appreciated for her 
devotion to the church and its members. It is fitting that we recognize 
the accomplishments of this caring and generous woman who has meant so 
much to us in New Jersey.
  I am sure that my colleagues here in Congress join me in 
congratulating Sister Bergen as she is honored on June 27th, and in 
wishing her many more productive and fulfilling years.

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