[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 9 (Thursday, February 7, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E120]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING REVEREND DERRICK ALDRIDGE AT HIS INSTALLATION AS PASTOR OF 
                       FOSS AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH

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                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 7, 2002

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join 
me in congratulating Reverend Derrick Aldridge upon his installation as 
pastor of the Foss Avenue Baptist Church on Sunday, February 10th in my 
hometown of Flint, Michigan. This is an auspicious occasion as Derrick 
Aldridge succeeds his father, Reverend Doctor Avery Aldridge as pastor.
  Avery Aldridge is a dear friend and advisor. I have known him for 
several decades and value his insight and expertise on the problems 
facing our nation and world. I have fond memories of the hours spent at 
Foss Avenue Baptist Church witnessing the Christian spirit manifested 
by the clergy and congregation. The commitment to promoting the 
Christian ideal has extended far beyond the physical confines of the 
church sanctuary. Reverend Aldridge has inspired his faithful to live 
the tenets of Jesus in their everyday lives. He has preached and 
exhorted and prayed for the Holy Spirit to move within his congregation 
and his prayers have been answered. The congregation has grown since 
its founding in 1956. Now over 50 auxiliaries and committees carry out 
the work of Jesus in the community. The Church has an elementary and 
secondary school, a credit union, an activity center, a free clothing 
center, and a recreation and fitness center.
  One of the great blessings of being a father is to know that your 
children turn out well. Reverend Avery Aldridge has that blessing. 
Derrick Aldridge chose to follow in his father's footsteps and bring 
the joy of Christian life to others. Derrick Aldridge serves as co-
pastor, as the director of the Family Life Center, as the chaplain for 
the Genesee County Sheriff, as deputy administrator of the Eagle's Nest 
Child Care, and as the Children's Church Minister. He brings exuberance 
to his vocation as a baptizer for Christ. Foss Avenue Baptist Church is 
blessed to have the continuity between an esteemed father and an 
esteemed son.
  Mr. Speaker, Foss Avenue Baptist Church will have a jubilant 
celebration on Sunday as the congregation and Reverend Derrick Aldridge 
join in a covenant of dedication committing their lives to the service 
of Jesus. They are accepting new challenges and new joys. I ask the 
House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Reverend Derrick 
Aldridge and Foss Avenue Baptist Church on this holy and propitious 
day.

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