[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 103 (Thursday, July 25, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1362]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING PASTOR DOUGLAS P. JONES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 24, 2002

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to rise before you today on 
behalf of the congregation of Welcome Missionary Baptist Church in 
Pontiac, Michigan, to recognize and congratulate Reverend Douglas P. 
Jones, who celebrated his 13th anniversary as the pastor of the church 
on June, 18, 2002.
  Upon graduation from University of Cincinnati, Pastor Jones continued 
his studies in pastoral care administration at Cincinnati Bible 
College. On April 8, 1989, the Church voted to call Reverend Jones as 
their pastor. Pastor Jones accepted and was installed on June 18, 1989. 
During his years of service, he has earned certificates in various 
workshops and counseling sessions, as well as special training in 
administration, management, and planning.
  Pastor Jones' time and dedication with the ministry has allowed him 
to develop strong support that extends throughout the city of Pontiac, 
including serving as the Chaplain of the Oakland County Sheriff 
Department, and acting as a board member for the United Way Oakland 
County. Additionally, the diligence he has shown over the years has led 
to the expansion of the church and its congregation. Pastor Jones is 
more than deserving of the numerous honors and awards that he has 
received over the past 13 years, including commendations from the City 
of Pontiac and the State of Michigan, among many others.
  The work that Pastor Jones has accomplished on behalf of the 
community is tremendous. Through his creation of the Greater Pontiac 
Community Coalition, he has helped generate programs that have guided 
our youth to a brighter future. Programs such as Youth in Government 
and Invent America, as well as scholarship programs through the Church 
and the Coalition, have helped open doors of success for hundreds of 
young men and women.
  Mr. Speaker, Pastor Douglas P. Jones' devotion to spreading God's 
Word is an inspiration to us all. As a former seminarian, I understand 
the important role the Church plays in our lives, and I am proud to 
call him my colleague and my friend. Self-evident is his lifelong 
commitment to enhancing the dignity and nurturing the spirits of all 
people, and our community is a much better place because of him. I ask 
my colleagues in the 107th Congress to join me in congratulating Pastor 
Jones.

                          ____________________