[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 67 (Thursday, May 25, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E835]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING REV. DOCTOR WILLY UPSHAW

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 24, 2000

  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, the year 2000 is significant for many 
reasons, not least of which is it being the 33rd anniversary of the 
Rev. Doctor Willie Upshaw's ministry at the Mt. Carmel Baptist Church 
in Yonkers, a church which has grown under his guidance and inspiration 
from 150 congregants to more than 2,500.
  This incredible expansion of his ministry is based on his motto: 
``Its no secret what God can do.'' The high esteen and love given the 
Rev. Upshaw by his congregation is based on his devotion to his 
pastoral duties of visiting and praying with the sick and shut-ins, 
dedicating infants, bringing God to patients at nursing homes and to 
prisons, and helping those in the community who seek him out for his 
wisdom and counsel.
  Under his pastorate eight deacons have been ordained and seven 
ministers licensed, of who two have been ordained. Under Pastor Upshaw 
the Youth Church Ministry has been organized, drawing large numbers of 
young people to membership through the Rites of Passage and Vows of 
Purity programs, movements made easier by the Pastor's great love for 
all youth.
  Pastor Upshaw has also served in many other capacities: Executive 
Vice President of the Yonkers Council of Churches, President of the 
Ministerial Fellowship of Yonkers, member of the Central Hudson Baptist 
Association, and member of the Board of Directors of the Yonkers 
General Hospital among so many others.
  Rev. Upshaw has contributed an almost infinite amount of goodness and 
decency into the community. I am proud to stand here today to 
congratulate him on 33 years of his pastorate and to wish him, and all 
of us, many more years.

                          ____________________