[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 65 (Monday, May 20, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E859]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO REVEREND DR. SHELLIE SAMPSON JR.

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                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 20, 2002

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Reverend Dr. 
Shellie Sampson, Jr., a remarkable spiritual counselor and community 
leader, on his 20th anniversary as Pastor of the Thessalonia Baptist 
Church in the Bronx.
  Reverend Sampson was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, but his 
extensive education has taken him all over the Northeast. He received a 
Bachelor of Arts from Rutgers University and went on to receive his 
Masters of Divinity and Doctorate of Ministry from Drew University. 
Reverend Sampson studied at the prestigious Princeton Theological 
Seminary and New York University. As if he had not achieved enough 
academically already, Reverend Sampson also received an Honorary 
Doctorate of Law from Virginia University and is currently a Doctoral 
Candidate at Temple University.
  Mr. Speaker, since his arrival to New York's religious community 20 
years ago, Reverend Sampson has made many unforgettable changes. He 
played a major role in the construction of the Thessalonia Cultural 
Conununity Center which has helped to unite the community and provide 
recreation and a number of services. Also, as a result of his efforts, 
the Thessalonia Elementary Academy and the Thessalonia Institute of 
Education were established to provide people of faith with exceptional 
educational opportunities.
  The man I am honoring today has been an example of leadership for his 
congregation and many community members. The community programs that he 
has spearheaded dealing with education, homelessness, senior citizens, 
and youth are too numerous to mention. As a result of all that he does 
and has done, Reverend Sampson has been the recipient of a number of 
awards and has been placed in many leadership positions throughout his 
30 years in ministry. Reverend Sampson has served as a religious guide, 
friend, confidant, and teacher. He has maintained not only the 
spiritual strength of his church, but has made sure that its physical 
foundation remained sound as well with renovations. Along with his 
intensive studies, Reverend Sampson is somehow still able to 
successfully lead and uplift his congregation and be a loving husband 
and father to his eight children. He is truly a remarkable individual.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Reverend 
Dr. Shellie Sampson, Jr.'s 20 years of exceptional service to the 
Thessalonia Baptist Church congregation and to the entire Bronx 
community.

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