[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 78 (Friday, May 23, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1083]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING BISHOP LAWRENCE L. KIRBY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. PAUL RYAN

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 22, 2003

  Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Bishop 
Lawrence L. Kirby of Racine, Wisconsin for the spiritual leadership 
that he has provided to the members of the St. Paul Missionary Baptist 
Church and the positive influence that he has had on Racine's African 
American community.
  For the past 22 years, Bishop Kirby has served as the Senior Pastor 
at St. Paul's Missionary Baptist Church, the oldest African-American 
church in the State of Wisconsin. Under his leadership, St. Paul's has 
grown significantly, evolving into one of the largest and most 
influential churches in the State. A visionary leader, Bishop Kirby has 
implemented a series of progressive assistance and developmental 
programs that serve the needs of the entire community. He has also 
founded numerous faith-based community organizations and has been 
called to preach around the world, spreading a message of faith, 
tolerance and compassion.
  Throughout his career, Bishop Kirby has remained steadfastly 
dedicated to helping others and he has not wavered in his commitment to 
his family, his church, his community and God. His generous actions 
have touched the lives of the less fortunate, filling their hearts with 
love and inspiring them to succeed. The citizens of Wisconsin's First 
Congressional District are fortunate to have been blessed with this 
wonderful, caring and compassionate man. I ask my colleagues to join me 
in honoring Bishop Lawrence L. Kirby for his efforts to make the world 
a better place in which to live.




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