[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 132 (Thursday, October 4, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S10284]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                 TRIBUTE TO REV. DR. WILLIAM D. WATLEY

 Mr. CORZINE. Mr. President, I want to bring to the attention 
of my colleagues a great man in the State of New Jersey, Reverend 
Doctor William D. Watley.
  Reverend Watley is a man of integrity who is committed to the 
spiritual, mental, social, and economic well being of his congregation 
and the residents of the City of Newark.
  Reverend Watley has dedicated his life to his ministry. As Pastor of 
the St. James A.M.E. Church in Newark, he ensures that everyone has a 
voice and gives hope to those who feel they have no hope. Under his 
leadership, St. James A.M.E. Church has reached out to the community 
and established numerous programs, including a soup kitchen that feed 
over 1,000 people per week, a clothing program, and a drug and alcohol 
abuse program. Reverend Watley is also an outstanding advocate for 
children and families. His vision was to start a state of the art 
preparatory school in the heart of Newark, preparing students mentally, 
physically, and spiritually for the challenges ahead. His dream 
realized, St. James Prep opens its doors every day stressing academic 
excellence and social responsibility.
  Reverend Watley is a true American, one who believes that all people 
should have access to America's promise. One of his many gifts is the 
ability to bring people together to work for a common cause. Reverend 
Watley is an unselfish man whose motivation is not self-gratification. 
He possesses a higher calling.
  This week, Reverend Watley celebrates 17 wonderful years of pastoral 
ministry at the St. James A.M.E. Church in Newark, NJ where over 3,000 
people attend services each Sunday, and where I have frequently joined 
with the congregation in being spiritually uplifted by Reverend 
Watley's message of hope. Under his expert guidance, St. James A.M.E. 
Church has experienced enormous growth and is a warm congregation 
filled with joy and love.
  Reverend Watley has been a true friend to me. I admire him for his 
leadership in and outside the walls of his church. He is a role model 
for all of us. I can boldly say that the State of New Jersey is a 
better place because of the leadership of Reverend Doctor William D. 
Watley and I am a better man today because of my friendship with him. 
It is an honor for me to bring him to your attention.

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