[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 132 (Thursday, October 19, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1860]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               A BUSY MAN: REVEREND DR. WILLIE A. SIMMONS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 19, 2000

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, August 31, 2000 marked the retirement of Rev. 
Dr. Willie A. Simmons. Rev. Simmons is known for his leadership in the 
community and social services.
  Rev. Dr. Simmons was ordained in 1960 in Birmingham, AL. He received 
his Doctor of Divinity degree in 1992 and his Doctor of Letter in 1997. 
He has served as Assistant Pastor of the First Corinthian Baptist 
Church of Newark, NJ, for over 20 years.
  While he served the spiritual needs of his community, he also served 
the physical needs of his fellow man. He has served the Essex County 
Division of Welfare as a Family Service Social Worker for more than 28 
years.
  Mr. Speaker, when we hear the adage, ``When you want something done, 
ask a busy person,'' people like Rev. Simmons come to mind. Throughout 
his years he is a former Executive Vice President of the Communication 
Workers of America Local 1081 which represents all case workers, clerks 
and investigators of the Essex County division of Welfare. Rev. Simmons 
is the District Director of Frontiers International, 1st District, 
which gives him responsibility over all New England states; and a 
member of the National Board of Directors. In addition, he is a past 
Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Frontiers International 
Foundation. He is a Chairman of the Political Action and Homeless 
Committees of the Newark-North Jersey Committee of Black Churchmen and 
an Executive Board member. He is a member of the Baptist Ministries 
Conference of Newark and the Vicinity. He also serves as Treasurer and 
Chairman of the Budget & Finance Committee of Essex-Newark Legal 
Services. He is a Co-Chairman of the Black and Latino Coalition, Inc. 
Rev. Simmons presently serves as President of the United Community 
Corporation Board of Directors, having been elected and serving as 
president three (3) times in the past. He is also affiliated with more 
than 15 other organizations.
  Rev. Dr. Simmons has received more than 100 awards in recognition of 
his support, participation, achievements and accomplishments in various 
community and social services.
  Mr. Speaker, I am sure my colleagues would have joined me as I 
congratulated him.

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