[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 143 (Thursday, November 2, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2068]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING REV. CURTIS COFIELD II, ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 2, 2000

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to join the 
Immanuel Baptist Church and the New Haven community in paying tribute 
to my dear friend and an outstanding member of the New Haven, CT, 
community--Rev. Curtis Cofield. As a pastor and community leader, 
Reverend Cofield has dedicated his life to making a real difference in 
the lives of the residents of Greater New Haven.
  The clergy has always played a vital role in our community and 
Reverend Cofield is a sterling example. His commitment to the service 
of our community through religious leadership is admired by many and 
rivaled by few. His involvement, not only with the congregation of the 
Immanuel Baptist Church, but with the entire community, has had a 
tremendous impact on many lives, especially those who face arduous 
struggles and frustrating situations in their daily lives. Working with 
his wife Elsie and the AIDS Interfaith Network, Reverend Cofield has 
helped hundreds of individuals and their families cope with the 
devastating effects caused by this terrible illness. For years, he has 
ministered to the spiritual needs of countless people in the New Haven 
community--strengthening the bonds of faith and helping to build 
stronger neighborhoods of which we can all be proud.
  Throughout his decades of service to the New Haven community, 
Reverend Cofield has been a leading advocate for some of our country's 
most vulnerable citizens. He has served as a strong voice for their 
best interests. As a member of over 30 service and religious 
organizations throughout his career, he has demonstrated a remarkable 
commitment to ensuring that his actions and participation enriched his 
community. I have always held a deep admiration for community service 
and those who provide it. With his extraordinary record of service, 
Reverend Cofield serves as an example to all that one person really can 
make a difference.
  As the first African-American chairman of the Connecticut State 
Freedom of Information Commission, organizing founder of the Dwight 
Neighborhood Corporation, and as a pastor at Immanuel Baptist Church, 
Reverend Cofield has enriched the lives of residents in New Haven and 
across the State of Connecticut. His dedication has been recognized 
locally, nationally, and internationally. The myriad awards and honors 
that adorn his walls are testimony to his unparalleled commitment and 
dedication.
  It is with great pride that I stand today to join Elsie, his 
children, family, friends, and the entire New Haven community to extend 
my deepest thanks and appreciation to Reverend Curtis Cofield for all 
of the good work he has done. As a pastor, community leader, and 
friend, he has touched the lives of thousands and leaves a legacy of 
dedication and inspiration second to none.

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