[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 123 (Thursday, October 5, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1686]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1686]]
                  TRIBUTE TO PASTOR CHARLES E. THOMAS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 5, 2000

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask my colleagues here in the 
U.S. House of Representatives to join me in honoring a very special 
person, Rev. Dr. Charles E. Thomas, Pastor of New Hope Baptist Church 
in Newark, NJ, who will retire later this month after more than three 
decades of faithful service.
  Born and raised in Montgomery, AL, to Reverend Nathaniel and Fannie 
Thomas, he pursued his educational goals, receiving a bachelor's degree 
in business administration from Selma University in Selma, AL. Reverend 
Thomas received a bachelor degree in theology from the American Baptist 
Theological Seminary in Nashville, TN, and an honorary doctorate degree 
from the Urban Bible Institute of Detroit, MI. Reverend Thomas was 
called to the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, NJ, in 1957 and began 
his pastorship on August 6, 1968.
  Throughout his years of service, Pastor Thomas has made a difference 
in countless lives through his strong commitment to the church and to 
the entire community. In 1972, Reverend Thomas undertook a major 
project, the formation of the New Hope Day Care Center, which was first 
housed in the church's dining room. The day care center later moved to 
a four-story building purchased by the church. Today, the center 
continues its successful operation, rendering services for 66 children 
year round on a daily basis. Pastor Thomas also administered the 
development of the Minority Contractors and Craftsmen Trade Association 
and the New Hope Skills Centers. These programs trained workers in 
carpentry, masonry and machinery and enabled them to pursue careers in 
those fields.
  Pastor Thomas also reorganized the Scholarship Fund at New Hope, 
expanding opportunities for young men and women who wish to attend 
college. In 1975, Pastor Thomas organized the New Hope Development 
Corporation, which was responsible for the building of New Hope 
Village, a 170-family housing complex in Newark which provides 
affordable housing. Other innovative programs he spearheaded include 
van transportation for seniors, services to address teen pregnancies, 
prison ministry and drug and alcohol counseling.
  Mr. Speaker, on the occasion of his retirement, let us express our 
warmest congratulations to Pastor Thomas and our appreciation for his 
dedicated service to his church and his community.

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