[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 40 (Friday, April 12, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E513]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             CONGRATULATIONS TO REVEREND CRAIG D. McDANIEL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 11, 2002

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask my colleagues here in the 
U.S. House of Representatives to join me in offering our warmest 
congratulations to an outstanding community leader, Reverend Craig D. 
McDaniel, who is being honored for his faithfulness and dedication to 
the Smith Memorial Church of God in Christ as well as to the 10th 
District of New Jersey. On Friday May 10, 2002, there will be ``A Night 
of Celebration'' in Newark mark his achievements.
  Craig Douglass McDaniel was born on February 25, 1960 to the Reverend 
Melvin McDaniel and the late Sallie Prather McDaniel in Newark, NJ. He 
is the eldest of five siblings born to this union. Craig was reared in 
Newark, NJ and attended the Newark Public Schools, graduating from 
Weequahic High School in 1979. He furthered his education at William 
Paterson College in Paterson, NJ.
  Craig attended church with his family until he joined Holy Temple 
(Smith Memorial) Church of God in Christ in 1984 under the leadership 
of the late Bishop Howard Smith. In 1986, Craig was ordained a minister 
under the current Pastor, Dr. C.H. Evans and a few years later was 
ordained an Elder in the Church of God in Christ. In the early 90's, 
Elder McDaniel became assistant Pastor. He has traveled throughout the 
United States in revivals as an avid supporter of the Church of God in 
Christ.
  One of Reverend McDaniel's greatest joys in life is serving people. 
In church, he is the Youth President and the Advisor of the Youth 
Department, Committee member for the Pastor's Anniversary Committee, 
former Vice President of the Young Adult Choir and many other 
auxiliaries. Reverend McDaniel serves in our jurisdiction as Vice 
President of the Youth Department and is also a National Adjutant in 
the Church of God in Christ.
  In the community, he has participated on the advisory board for AIDS 
Benefits, Outreach Street Ministry, Essex County Prison Ministry, 
Annual Youth Retreats and Summits and the Beth Israel Medical Center 
Cultural Awareness Board. Reverend McDaniel was on the committee that 
enabled the Smith Memorial Church street to be renamed, from Stratford 
Place to Bishop Howard Smith Plaza (named after our founder, the late 
Bishop Howard Smith). In addition, Reverend McDaniel continues to 
better himself by continuing his education at Kean University in Union, 
NJ where he is currently majoring in Education.
  Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in wishing Reverend 
McDaniel all the best as he continues his outstanding service to his 
church and the 10th District of New Jersey.

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