[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 67 (Wednesday, May 22, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E871]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO REVEREND DR. ARTHUR J. POINTER, 35TH PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY, 
                    METROPOLITAN BAPTIST TABERNACLE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DAVID E. BONIOR

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 21, 2002

  Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, as the congregation of the Metropolitan 
Baptist Tabernacle Church gathered together on Saturday, May 18, 2002, 
they celebrated the 35th Pastoral Anniversary of Reverend Dr. Arthur J. 
Pointer. A lifelong leader and devoted pastor, Dr. Pointer has truly 
demonstrated his commitment to advancing the mission of Metropolitan 
Baptist Tabernacle across the state of Michigan. As the members and 
friends of Dr. Pointer gathered to celebrate this special anniversary, 
they paid tribute to his outstanding years of activism, leadership, and 
faith.
  Dr. Pointer has been preaching the Gospel to the congregation of 
Metropolitan Baptist Tabernacle, located in Flint, Michigan, since 
1967. As his message and ministry has been received, he has shown a 
special dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of 
others. Dr. Pointer, a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, has 
truly become a leader to all those who know him. ``A leader who dared 
to dream great dreams'', Dr. Pointer has truly led his family, 
congregation, and community to greatness.
  Dr. Pointer has been an active force in his community, working with 
Metropolitan Baptist Tabernacle in organizing several programs and 
ministries as well as working with many organizations around the state 
of Michigan. As the former chairman of the Metropolitan Detroit Housing 
Development Corporation, the Michigan State O.I.C., and the Board for 
Urban Community Outreach Program, which was initiated at Metropolitan 
Baptist Tabernacle, his involvement with church and beyond has been an 
inspiration to all. Even today, Dr. Pointer continues to serve his 
community well as the President of the Wolverine State Missionary 
Baptist Convention and as Chairman of the Political Action Committee of 
Concerned Pastors and the Christian Evangelical Broadcasting 
Association, Inc. Dr. Pointer's distinguished service and outstanding 
dedication to improving the lives of people through faith will continue 
to serve as an example to communities across this nation.
  I applaud Dr. Pointer for his leadership, commitment, and service, 
and I urge my colleagues to join me in saluting him for his exemplary 
years of faith and service.

                          ____________________