[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 80 (Tuesday, June 3, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1114]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF GLAD TIDINGS CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 3, 2003

  Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 25th anniversary of 
Glad Tidings Church founded by Rev. and Mrs. J.W. Macklin in 1978 in 
Hayward, California. From its earliest inception, Glad Tidings 
reflected what many considered a new and refreshing direction in church 
ministry. With a strong commitment to communities and families, this 
young church began to position itself for a long-term commitment to the 
city of Hayward.
  In 1981, Glad Tidings purchased their first edifice in South Hayward. 
Believing that Glad Tidings had a vision and a ministry to meet the 
growing needs of a changing neighborhood, the Hayward Covenant Church 
sold a 15,000 square foot facility, including a sanctuary with seating 
for 150 people, to a young, energetic congregation.
  Within a few short years, the mortgage was liquidated and the 
existing facility was remodeled to include a new sanctuary seating 
approximately 300 people. The remaining facility was remodeled to 
accommodate executive offices, classrooms, and a fellowship hall.
  In the midst of Glad Tidings' growth is the incredible story of a 
congregation, whose vision, fortitude and commitment has brought them 
face to face with a suburban community that had become very much urban 
within a few short years. As the church grew, the obvious need to build 
new facilities was more than evident. Glad Tidings Church was faced 
with a major dilemma; to relocate to a suburban community or to stay 
and build in a challenged community filled with drugs, crime, and 
rampant poverty.
  In 1990, Glad Tidings Church adopted a strategic plan, which required 
the church to involve itself to an even greater degree in the 
surrounding neighborhoods in decline. A neighborhood revitalization 
program was set in motion. Glad Tidings established a strong proactive 
presence in city government, schools, community, and police affairs. 
This community outreach provided a base for support networks to thrive 
with other surrounding neighborhoods, agencies and businesses and gave 
voice to the South Hayward community.
  Glad Tidings Church established a central neighborhood campus while 
networking with other community services to offer a creative and 
supportive environment of programs, housing, services and facilities 
which address many of the major needs and concerns of a community in 
need of revitalization.
  I applaud Glad Tidings Church's focus on economic development, job 
and career training, youth and adult education, youth and adult support 
services and health services all provided within a spiritual setting 
which accents excellence at all levels of life for all people. I 
congratulate Glad Tidings Church on its 25th anniversary and wish the 
leadership and congregation many years of continued success.

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