[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 62 (Tuesday, May 8, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E756]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO REVEREND DR. RONALD DURHAM

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 8, 2001

  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 and 
dedicated person, Reverend Dr. L. Ronald Durham, who celebrated his 
10th Pastoral Anniversary at First Mount Zion Baptist Church in my home 
city of Newark, New Jersey. Friends gathered on Friday, May 4th, in New 
Jersey to mark this milestone and to express appreciation for Reverend 
Dr. Durham's dynamic leadership.
  Reverend Dr. Ronald Durham began his ministry at the age of 17. After 
studying at Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina on full 
scholarship, he received his Bachelor's Degree in Theology from Evangel 
Christian University in Louisiana. He holds his Masters of Theology 
Degree from United Christian Seminary, as well as a Doctor of Divinity 
and Doctor of Christian Ministry. Dr. Durham was also given an Honorary 
Doctor of Sacred Theology Degree from the American Bible Institute in 
Falls Church, Virginia. After sixteen years of faithful service to 
First Baptist Church of Anderson, North Carolina, Dr. Durham joined 
First Mt. Zion in April of 1991. First Mt. Zion's historical background 
inspired him to write his Doctoral Thesis entitled ``The History of the 
Black Baptist Church in New Jersey.'' During his ten years at First Mt. 
Zion, Pastor Durham has had many notable achievements. Inspired by the 
recovery story of a good friend, Pastor Durham established the ``21 
Club,'' a Drug and Alcohol Education Program in Newark, New Jersey. He 
has been recognized by the City of Newark on several occasions for his 
outstanding community service. He initiated the federal ``Weed and 
Seed'' program for Newark, which continues to bring millions of federal 
dollars into the city to combat illegal drugs and restore Newark's 
communities. Other outstanding achievements under his inspirational 
leadership include: restoration of the 123-year-old sanctuary; 
purchasing of a church van and bus; refurbishing of a three-family 
property; and establishment of a stock investment program with Merrill 
Lynch. He has established the Inspirational Choir, Sanctuary Choir, 
Community Outreach Ministry; a new Youth Ministry, the Women's Support 
Ministry, Mother Board, Prayer Band, and the First Mt. Zion Theological 
Institute. He has worked to promote economic growth among African 
Americans. Dr. Durham led a group of 75 churches to purchase a 42-acre 
campground in Pennsylvania. In addition, Dr. Durham recently authored 
his first book entitled The Secret Power of Prayer, and he writes 
quarterly lessons entitled the Baptist Layman, a publication of the 
National Baptist Convention. He is a seminar leader for the National 
Baptist Congress of Christian Education. He serves as confidant and 
teacher to pastors and preachers all over the United States through his 
Internet ministry.
  Mr. Speaker, let us offer our congratulations on this special 
occasion and send our best wishes for continued success to Reverend Dr. 
Ronald Durham as he pursues his important spiritual mission.

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