[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 3 (Wednesday, January 26, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S97]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       A 50TH BIRTHDAY SALUTE TO THE REVEREND ALPHONSE STEPHENSON

 Mr. MOYNIHAN. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize an 
important event which occurred yesterday, January 25th--the 50th 
birthday of The Reverend Alphonse Stephenson. Father Stephenson was 
recently feted by over a hundred family members and friends and his 
50th birthday warrants a few moments of the Senate's attention.
  Father Alphonse is a native son of New Jersey, but he has shared his 
varied talents with people of New York City. Priest at the Catholic 
Actor's Chapel in New York City, musical conductor of ``A Chorus Line'' 
on Broadway, and founder and conductor of St. Peter's Orchestra by the 
Sea, are just a few of the ``hats'' worn by Father Alphonse.
  But Father Alphonse also assists in providing for those less 
fortunate. The Orchestra of St. Peter's by the Sea, under the baton of 
Father Alphonse, has raised over two million dollars for various 
hospitals, such as our own St. Vincent's in New York City; educational 
facilities, such as Mount Saint Michael in the Bronx; and churches that 
assist the homeless, such as St. John's near Pennsylvania Station. 
Additionally, and perhaps most importantly, he has created the Cecilia 
Foundation which allows young school children to experience the 
classics and even get a chance to conduct. The Cecilia Foundation 
provides musical instruments to children who would not get such an 
opportunity without the generosity of Father Alphonse.
  Somehow, Father Alphonse has also found time to create the ``Festival 
of the Atlantic,'' a series of free concerts at Point Pleasant Beach 
and the largest outdoor musical endeavor in the State of New Jersey. 
Crowds of 10,000 and more are not uncommon.
  He is also a Major and the Chief Chaplain of the 108th Refueling Wing 
at McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey with another change in rank 
soon to occur!
  An amazing list of accomplishments for one so young. As the Senate 
begins the 2nd Session of the 106th Congress, I join family and friends 
in wishing Father Alphonse a healthy and happy 50th Birthday--one 
wonders what the next 50 years will bring!

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