[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 74 (Friday, May 25, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E980]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                  TRIBUTE TO GREATER OMEGA M.B. CHURCH

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                           HON. BOBBY L. RUSH

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 25, 2001

  Mr. RUSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the 19th Anniversary of 
the Greater Omega M. B. Church, located in my congressional district in 
Chicago, Illinois. The Greater Omega M.B. Church has served as a beacon 
of hope and strength for Illinois' First Congressional District since 
it was founded on March 14, 1982. With approximately 150 pioneering 
members, Greater Omega M.B. Church began its mission of service under 
the leadership of its late founding pastor, Rev. Edmond Blair, Jr.
  Since then, the church and its congregation have endured a vibrant 
history. Under Rev. Messenger's leadership, the Greater Omega family 
made the final mortgage payment on its current church home located at 
135 W. 79th Street. In addition, the church began broadcasting its 
services on the WBEE radio station.
  On November 12, 2000, the Greater Omega family selected their current 
pastor, Rev. Melvin Reynolds. Under the helm of a new leader, the 
congregation is excited about the future of Greater Omega. According to 
church members, Rev. Reynolds, ``loves and respects the people of 
Greater Omega, he loves and respects God's church, he sees the needs of 
the community, he tries to aid people in every walk of life and he 
loves God . . . Even more Rev. Reynolds has a vision of Greater Omega 
becoming a great church.''
  In the midst of changing pastors and relocating four times, the 
members of Greater Omega have remained steadfast in their mission and 
devotion to God and the Chicago community. The church has continuously 
enacted programs in the community such as, job ministries, drug 
rehabilitation ministries, and prison ministries. The church also has a 
homeless food program and a mentoring program for the youth.
  I commend Greater Omega M. B. Church for their continued high 
standards of worship and fellowship. Greater Omega's accomplishments 
are a true testament to their enduring faith and unwavering commitment 
to God. I am confident that the church will continue to grow and 
vigorously serve the community in the years to come.

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