[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 124 (Friday, September 21, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1699]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO REVEREND BOOKER T. SEARS, JR., D.D.

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 21, 2001

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Reverend Booker T. 
Sears, a remarkable spiritual counselor and community leader, on his 
16th anniversary as Pastor of Goodwill Baptist Church in the Bronx, New 
York.
  Reverend Sears was born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina, as 
the eldest of four children born to the late Dr. and Mrs. Booker T. 
Sears Sr. Nurtured by a large family, Reverend Sears went on to pursue 
higher education in his hometown. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree 
in Religion and Philosophy from Benedict College and his Doctorate of 
Divinity degree from the Columbia Bible Institute. Reverend Sears spent 
23 years pasturing congregations in South Carolina before bringing his 
gifts and compassion to the South Bronx.
  Mr. Speaker, since his arrival to New York's religious community 16 
years ago, Reverend Sears has left an undeniable mark. He is the Second 
Vice President of the Baptist Ministers Conference of Greater New York 
and Vicinity, an active member of the United Missionary Baptist 
Association, the Empire Missionary Baptist Convention, the National 
Baptist Convention U.S.A., Inc., the Ministers Prayer Alliance, along 
with a number of other esteemed religious organizations and community 
organizations.
  The man I am honoring today has been an example of leadership for his 
congregation and many community members. Worshipers at Goodwill Baptist 
Church describe Reverend Sears as not only their religious guide, but 
as their friend, confidant, and teacher.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Reverend 
Booker T. Sears Jr., D.D. for his 16 years of dedicated service to the 
Goodwill Baptist Church congregation and South Bronx community.

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