[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 62 (Wednesday, May 15, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S4385]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             IN RECOGNITION OF PASTOR ALVIN M. STOKES, SR.

 Mr. TORRICELLI. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 
efforts of Pastor Alvin Stokes, Sr. of Trinity A.M.E. Church and 
congratulate him on his forthcoming retirement.
  Pastor Stokes has served as a positive and energetic force within the 
New Jersey communities he has served. In his efforts as a member of the 
clergy, he organized the United Black Clergy Association of Bridgeton 
and aided in obtaining plans to build the new Grant A.M.E. Church. 
Perhaps his most important work, however, has been through his ministry 
to his parishioners at Trinity A.M.E. Church, where he has been pastor 
since 1979.
  While Pastor Stokes has a strong presence outside of his ministry, 
some of his greatest efforts have been on behalf of the schoolchildren 
of New Jersey. During his time in Chesilhurst, he served on the School 
board and organized efforts that led to the construction of the 
community's first elementary school. He has also served on the New 
Jersey Federation of District School Boards, a county Task Force for 
school dropouts and teen pregnancy, and the Fairfield Township's School 
Crisis Committee.
  I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the efforts of 
Pastor Stokes to improve the lives of those around him. The people of 
New Jersey are truly grateful for his service.

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