[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 152 (Friday, November 22, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2123-E2124]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN HONOR OF REVEREND RALPH E. BROWER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 22, 2002

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Reverend Ralph E. 
Brower for 47 years of outstanding service to our community as a leader 
and senior pastor at Saint Michael's Methodist Church. Rev. Brower was 
honored at a banquet at the Casino in the Park in Jersey City, New 
Jersey, on November 10, 2002.

[[Page E2124]]

  For the past 47 years, Reverend Ralph E. Brower has been a tireless 
advocate on behalf of his community and congregation, ensuring that no 
one in the community is left behind. A true leader, Rev. Brower has 
served for the past 27 years as president of the Interdenominational 
Ministerial Alliance, and the past 25 years as chaplain for Hudson 
County. He has served in several city administrations, and is currently 
the president of the United Black interdenominational Clergy (VBIC) of 
New Jersey, the state's largest African-American clergy organization.
  His selfless actions have not gone unnoticed, and he has been honored 
by New Jersey's Urban League, the National Association for the 
Advancement of Colored People of New Jersey, and the New Jersey State 
Federation of Colored Women's Clubs.
  The fourth of six children, Rev. Brower was born and raised in North 
Carolina, but decided to make New Jersey his home. He is a graduate of 
the Laurinburg Institute and Kettle College of North Carolina, attended 
Florida State Christian College in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, earned his 
Bachelor of Arts degree from Jersey City State College, and his 
Doctorate of Sacred Theology from the Baltimore Bible College.
  Rev. Brown is married to Alberta Hazel-Brower, and they are the proud 
parents of three children: two sons, Ralph, Jr. and Ronald, and one 
daughter, Denise.
  Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Reverend Ralph E. 
Brower for close to 50 years of service as a leader and senior pastor 
to the Jersey City community. Let us all join together and take this 
opportunity to honor an exceptional man, setting an outstanding example 
for our community. Thank you Rev. Brower for all that you do.

                          ____________________