[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 40 (Friday, April 12, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E518]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   CONGRATULATIONS TO JOHN M. BETTIS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 11, 2002

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I would like my colleagues here in the U.S. 
House of Representatives to join me in honoring the Most Worshipful 
John M. Bettis, Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand 
Lodge F & AM of New Jersey. On Saturday evening, April 13, 2002, Mr. 
Bettis will be honored at ``An Appreciation Evening'' to pay tribute to 
his untiring efforts and contributions.
  John M. Bettis was born and raised in Pleasantville, New Jersey, 
where he received his elementary and secondary education, graduating 
from Pleasantville High School in 1963. He has earned an Associate 
Degree in Police Science from Atlantic Community College in 1971, a 
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice from Stockton State College 
and graduate credits in Public Administration from Ryder College and 
the University of Houston. John is a veteran of the United States Air 
Force, having served as a Security Policeman from 1963 to 1967 and the 
New Jersey Air National Guard from 1979 to 1983.
  Currently, John is a member of the Board of Directors of Atlantic 
County Chapter of the National Conference (formerly the National 
Conference of Christians and Jews), a member of the African American 
Male Conference, the Atlantic County Veterans Advisory Board, the Board 
of Directors of the Atlantic County Chamber of Commerce, the Board of 
Directors for the Jersey Shore Council, Boy Scouts of America, the 
Board of Directors for the United Way of Atlantic County and the Board 
of Trustees for Atlantic Cape Community College.
  John is a proud Prince Hall Mason of the 33rd Degree and Shriner, 
holding membership and rank in all of its affiliated bodies; most 
significantly, Past Master of Hiram Abiff Lodge No. 16, F & AM, and 
Past Patron of Ivy Leaf Chapter No. 18, OES, Pleasantville, New Jersey. 
He is a Past Grand Worthy Patron of Oziel Grand Chapter, Order of 
Eastern Star, NJ 1988-1990 and is currently serving as the Most 
Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, 
Free and Accepted Masons, State of New Jersey. John resides in 
Pleasantville, New Jersey with his wife Doni. They have three daughters 
and four grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, let us offer our congratulations to Mr. Bettis for his 
many contributions to the community as well as our very best wishes to 
him for the future.

                          ____________________