[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 166 (Monday, November 17, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2302]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             IN RECOGNITION OF BISHOP DONALD HILLIARD, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 17, 2003

  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to laud the accomplishments of 
Bishop Donald Hilliard, Jr. Bishop Hilliard is a man of conviction and 
dedication, as well as an inspiration to his community. This year, the 
Cathedral International Church is celebrating twenty years of 
excellence under the leadership of Bishop Donald Hilliard.
  Bishop Hilliard is someone who places a high value on education. He 
earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Eastern University in St. 
David's, Pennsylvania. He later earned a Master of Divinity degree from 
Princeton Theological Seminary, and was awarded a Doctorate of Ministry 
degree from the United Theological Seminary in Dayton Ohio. Yet, Dr. 
Hilliard's accomplishments extend far beyond academia. His list of 
achievements range from economic and community developer to spiritual 
leader.
  Bishop Hilliard always approaches life with a positive attitude, as 
revealed in his trademark ``Say Yes'' services at the Second Baptist 
Church in Perth Amboy, New Jersey. At the age of 26, Bishop Hilliard 
became the Church's Senior Pastor. Since then, the church has grown 
from 125 members in 1983 to over 7,000 members today. What started out 
as one church has grown to three located in urban settings throughout 
New Jersey. Dr. Hilliard's faith and inspirational words draws people 
from out the tri-state area of New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. 
The Cathedral is recognized as a growing and influential church and as 
been cited by American Baptist churches, USA as a model church for 
growth.
  In 1995, Bishop Hilliard was consecrated a bishop and is currently 
the presiding Bishop and founder of the Ecumenical Fellowship and 
Cathedral assemblies, Inc. In this role, Bishop Hilliard serves as the 
spiritual advisor and mentor for several pastors and churches across 
America and West Africa. The Bishop has also established the Clergy 
Leadership Institute where innovative leaders from different 
denominational backgrounds gather to confront and minister to various 
issues faced by the clergy daily, as well as to expand their 
theological and social horizons.
  Bishop Hilliard and his church have been cited numerous times by the 
city of Perth Amboy and the State of New Jersey for their contributions 
to community development. Today, I rise to ask this national body to 
recognize the accomplishments of this esteemed gentleman. Mr. Speaker, 
a man such as Bishop Hilliard should be an inspiration to us all. He 
has given so much of his life to serving others in need. Accordingly, I 
ask that my colleagues rise and join me in honoring Bishop Donald 
Hilliard, Jr.

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