[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 23 (Wednesday, March 6, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E289]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE NEW FAITH CHURCH AND PASTOR T.R. WILLIAMS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN BENTSEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 6, 2002

  Mr. BENTSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the New Faith Church 
located at 4315 West Fuqua Street, Houston, Texas, and the Reverend 
Theodore Roosevelt (T.R.) Williams, Sr., celebrating 25 years of 
service to the Houston community.
  The New Faith Church was organized on February 27, 1977, as the New 
Faith Missionary Baptist Church. Under the leadership of its original 
and current pastor, the Reverend T.R. Williams Sr., and an initial body 
of fifty-two members, adopted the church motto which came from Nehemiah 
4:6, . . . ``for the people had a mind to work.'' Beginning in March 
1977, services were held in Magnolia Lodge Masonic Hall at 2792 
McGowen, and less than one year later on January 15, 1978, Pastor 
Williams and a membership of 142 entered New Faith's present church 
home on Fuqua.
  From its inception, New Faith's priorities have been in accord with 
God's directives, and members served the church through participation 
in Bible Study, Deacons, Brotherhood, Junior and Senior Missions, 
Junior and Senior Usher Board, Adult, Youth and Sunshine Choir, and Boy 
and Girl Scouting programs. New Faith also has a tape ministry where 
quality cassette recordings of all worship services and special 
programs are made available at nominal cost. In addition, they have a 
premarital course to assist engaged couples in building a life together 
on a spiritual foundation and a leadership course to prepare men as 
spiritual leaders both at home and at church.
  Under the leadership of Reverend Williams, the congregation has grown 
to more than 1,600 members with facilities on more than ten acres of 
property. Reverend Williams is assisted by Reverend Drew E. Marshall, 
Assistant Pastor; and the Minister of Music, Reverend Ronald J. 
Materre; Minister of Prison Care, Reverend Christopher Lumpkin; 
Minister of Pastoral Care, Reverend Rosetta Whitfield; Minister of 
Christian Education, Reverend Lekesha Barnett; Minister of Youth and 
Young Adults, Reverend Howard Earle; and Minister of Children, Sheryl 
Williams Edmonson. Additionally, a number of dedicated and talented 
individuals, both paid staff and volunteers, support the broader 
ministries and the demands of the church family through their day to 
day commitment and active involvement in church operations.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Pastor Williams on his 25 years of 
service to the New Faith Church and to all the members of New Faith 
Church as they look back on 25 years of service to their community. I 
wish them continued success as they build on the strong sense of 
community they have established in the city of Houston.

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