[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 73 (Thursday, May 15, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E984]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 MARKING PASTOR GEORGE GRACE'S 20 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE FIRST BIBLE 
                             BAPTIST CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. THOMAS M. REYNOLDS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 15, 2003

  Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise to 
pay tribute to Pastor George P. Grace for his 20 years of service to 
the First Bible Baptist Church and his numerous contributions to the 
citizens of Rochester, New York. For two decades, he has faithfully led 
and continues to lead the First Bible Baptist Church and its 
congregation, earning a well-deserved reputation as a respected and 
trusted community leader.
  Under his leadership, the First Bible Baptist Church has promoted 
good citizenship and voter awareness through the church's annual 
Political Candidates' Night. The Grace and Truth Athletics Ministry was 
initiated to provide a place for the youth of this community to 
experience sports so they may grow and learn, and every year this draws 
thousands from local communities, including those who are not a member 
of the church. Pastor Grace also has a namesake event, the Thanksgiving 
Day ``Race with Grace,'' which has become a certified national 10k, 
having 1,000 participants last Thanksgiving Day.
  The Pastor has found much success and continued growth in the 
athletics ministries. He developed the Grace and Truth Sportspark, 
whose soccer fields are home to the Junior Rhinos, the Greece 
Buccaneers, and other community soccer leagues. The church is hoping to 
complete the Sportspark in the near future, with lighted baseball and 
softball fields. The Grace and Truth Athletics Ministry has traveled 
throughout the world ministering to the world's youth through soccer.
  Pastor Grace sits as a Regional Vice-President of Trinity Baptist 
College, Jacksonville, Florida, and he is a member of the Board of 
Trustees of Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester. He and his wife 
Penny have raised their 5 children in Rochester and they now have one 
Grandson.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that this Congress join me in saluting Pastor 
George Grace as he marks 20 years of service to the First Bible Baptist 
Church. His love for his fellow man is an inspiration to us all, and I 
am proud to represent him in Congress.

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