[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 39 (Tuesday, March 11, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E419]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO THE BROOKLYN TABERNACLE CHOIR

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                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 11, 2003

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to the Brooklyn 
Tabernacle Choir.
  The internationally renowned Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir was founded in 
1973. As part of the ministry of the Brooklyn Tabernacle Church in 
Brooklyn, New York, the 250-voice choir is recognized worldwide for the 
magnitude of its sound and the soul-filled inspiration of its music. 
Since its formation three decades ago, the choir has emerged as a major 
influence within the Christian/gospel music industry.
  With a multi-ethnic and economically diverse membership, the choir 
truly represents the best of New York and America. Some members have 
been singing with the choir for more than 25 years. Despite their 
differing backgrounds, the entire choir operates like a close knit 
family. This level of cooperation is possible because of the individual 
commitment of the members and the inspired leadership of its director, 
Carol Cymbala. I want to commend the choir on its ability to apply the 
harmony of music to the ministry of life.
  On February 23, 2003, the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir won a Grammy 
Award for Best Gospel Choir or Chorus for its album ``Be Glad''. With 
this most recent recognition, the group has become one of a few choirs 
which has attained the acknowledgment of both the popular music 
business and the Christian music industry. As a five-time winner of the 
Grammy Award and two-time winner of the Dove Award, the Brooklyn 
Tabernacle Choir has performed in some of the most celebrated venues in 
New York City, including Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall, and the 
Paramount Theater. In a rare testament to the power of its music, the 
choir has played to a sold-out audience at Madison Square Garden. With 
New York City and Brooklyn as its home, the choir continues to greatly 
impact the local community, including my district, the 10th 
Congressional District of New York.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend this choir not only on its most 
recent Grammy Award but on its 30 years of dedicated music ministry. In 
these difficult and uncertain times, I sincerely hope that the Brooklyn 
Tabernacle Choir continues to use music to bring a message of good news 
and hope to Brooklyn and the world.

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