[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 25 (Wednesday, February 28, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E245-E246]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CENTRAL NEW JERSEY RECOGNIZES DEFOREST B. SOARIES, JR. FOR HIS SERVICE 
                            TO OUR COMMUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RUSH D. HOLT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 28, 2001

  Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize Rev. Dr. DeForest B. 
Soaries, Jr., and his ongoing dedication to serving the needs of 
families throughout New Jersey. I join with the Metropolitan Trenton 
African American Chamber of Commerce in recognizing the many 
contributions he has made working to address the growing needs of our 
diverse community.
  On January 12, 1999, Governor Christine Todd Whitman presented Rev. 
Soaries as New Jersey's Secretary of State. Secretary Soaries has since 
brought new energy to the Department of State and its mission to 
preserve and promote the story of New Jersey and its citizenry. With 
his broad experience and extensive abilities, Secretary Soaries 
oversees one of the leading departments of state government.
  In his official capacity, Secretary Soaries oversees the Department 
of State's operating agencies consisting of the New Jersey State 
Museum; New Jersey Martin Luther King, Jr., Commission; and the 
Governor's Office of Volunteerism to name a few. Additionally, 
Secretary Soaries was charged with advancing a number of Governor 
Whitman's quality of life programs.
  Secretary Soaries is an ordained minister and presently serves as the 
senior pastor of the very active First Baptist Church of Lincoln 
Gardens. Since joining the leadership of First Baptist, Secretary 
Soaries has worked to increase the congregation's membership. Secretary 
Soaries has aided in the development

[[Page E246]]

of a number of economic, spiritual, and educational programs for church 
members and local residents.
  Once again, I applaud the many ongoing contributions to our community 
made by New Jersey's Secretary of State DeForest Soaries and ask all my 
colleagues to join me in recognizing these commitments.

                          ____________________