[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 53 (Thursday, April 22, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E621]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     ON THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF CALVARY CATHEDRAL 
 INTERNATIONAL, THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF PASTOR BOB NICHOLS' MINISTRY, 
      AND THE 50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY OF PASTOR AND MRS. NICHOLS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KAY GRANGER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 22, 2004

  Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding 
church, an outstanding pastor and a great couple in my district. On 
Sunday, April 18, 2004 Calvary Cathedral International celebrates the 
40th anniversary of its founding by Pastor Bob Nichols and his wife, 
Joy. On this day, Pastor Nichols also celebrates his 50th anniversary 
in full time ministry and the upcoming 50th wedding anniversary of 
Pastor Nichols and Joy.
  Through Calvary Cathedral, Pastor Nichols and Joy touch the lives of 
thousands of people not only in Fort Worth, but throughout the world. 
With integrity and outstanding character, Pastor Nichols and Joy daily 
help the less fortunate and hungry, as well as the many people who make 
up their congregation.
  To appreciate the high esteem in which Calvary Cathedral and Pastor 
and Mrs. Nichols are held today, one must understand the humble 
beginnings from which they come.
  In 1964, after 10 years in full time ministry, God called Pastor 
Nichols to start a church where all faiths were welcome and members of 
the church could grow in faith. With no members or financial resources, 
Pastor Nichols started Calvary Cathedral in an old post office 
building. By 1976, Calvary Cathedral had grown to the point that the 
congregation purchased a historic, 2,000-seat church on the banks of 
the Trinity River. That site was home to Calvary until it was destroyed 
by a tornado on March 28, 2000. In 2001, Calvary elected to purchase 
the Midtown Church of Christ facility. The existing facilities and 
property, as well as the construction of a new facility for the Calvary 
Christian Academy, is enabling Pastor Nichols, Joy and the congregation 
to reach out to even more people.
  As pastor and president of Calvary Cathedral International, Pastor 
Nichols administers a wide range of ministries that includes the 
Calvary Christian Academy, the Calvary Day Care, Calvary Cathedral 
International Bible School, the Calvary daily Faith, Hope and Love 
radio show, the Calvary jail and prison ministry, the Stitches central 
city outreach program and a foreign missionary outreach. Through 
Lighthouse Television, Ltd., Pastor Nichols reaches out with his 
message to residents of Uganda. Not only does Pastor Nichols use the 
blessing of Calvary Cathedral to reach out to people, he is renowned 
for his stewardship to other ministers, which has earned him the title 
``Pastor to Pastors.''
  Pastor Nichols and Joy demonstrated their deep faith and their trust 
in God to carry forth during the Tornado of 2000 by being positive 
about the tragedy that struck the church and the Fort Worth community 
that day. They used the disaster to instill hope and trust among church 
members and Fort Worth residents, alike.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize a church that has 
contributed so much to not only Fort Worth, but to the world. And it is 
my honor to praise the leadership and compassion that Pastor Nichols 
and his wife Joy have exhibited during their 40 years of ministry at 
Calvary Cathedral International.

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