[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 8 (Tuesday, January 19, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E66]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 BEST OF LUCK TO REV. W.E. SPEARS, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 19, 1999

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, Sunday, November 21, 
1998, Dallas bid farewell to one of its most notable religious leaders. 
The Reverend W.E. Spears, Jr., will preach his final sermon as the 
pastor of Progressive Baptist Church in Dallas.
  Mr. Speaker, his departure is important to note because he founded 
Progressive Baptist Church with his vision, energy, and hard work 52 
years ago. Throughout that time, he has provided spiritual guidance, 
community service, and compassion to several generations of 
parishioners.
  Mr. Speaker, the growth of his church in both numbers of members and 
services is a direct testimony to his faith and work ethic. When it 
first began, the church had about 10 members. Today, Progressive 
Baptist Church boasts a membership of 500.
  Under his leadership, Progressive Baptist Church promotes the 
teachings of Christianity to many families in the Dallas area. In 
addition, for several decades, Progressive Baptist Church served area 
school children who could not attend the George W. Carver School 
because of School district boundaries.
  He joined his late wife in opening Spears Mortuary and an ambulance 
service that provided services despite the family's ability to pay. 
This brought much-needed services and relief to families amid times of 
tremendous personal loss.
  Mr. Speaker, Reverend Spears is a great example of leading a church 
in serving its community beyond the pulpit and directly into the 
community. However, while I join many of my constituents in thanking 
him for his leadership and service at Progressive Baptist Church, I am 
happy to say that he will not be removing himself from the community. 
He does not plan to leave behind his work. Fortunately for our 
children, he is committed to helping them be productive citizens. As he 
mentioned, ``I'm still making a point of helping young people make 
citizens out of themselves, and I have pledged myself to working in the 
community at least 5 days a week.''
  Mr. Speaker, I am both grateful to Reverend Spears' 52 years of 
service at Progressive Baptist and his commitment to continue to serve 
our community. On behalf of my constituents from the 30th Congressional 
District, I wish him success in his future endeavors.

                          ____________________