[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 103 (Thursday, July 22, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8647-S8648]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING REV. MARION DANIEL BENNETT SR.

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise today to congratulate Reverend Marion 
Daniel Bennett, Sr., on his recent retirement as pastor of the Zion 
United Methodist Church. It pleases me to be able to speak today of 
Rev. Bennett's tremendous contributions to Nevada's spiritual, civic, 
and political life.
  Reverend Bennett's dedicated service and inspired leadership of the 
Zion United Methodist Church in Las Vegas has spanned over four 
decades. During his tenure, he oversaw the relocation of the Church to 
its current West Las Vegas site, and spearheaded the development of a 
much-needed day care center in the community.

[[Page S8648]]

  Reverend Bennett's commitment to public service, however, has 
extended well beyond his West Las Vegas congregation. As president of 
the Las Vegas Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of 
Colored People from 1963-1967 and 1971-1973, Rev. Bennett was among the 
foremost leaders in the struggle for civil rights in Nevada. He has 
continued to remain active in the Las Vegas NAACP as an executive board 
member for the past 30 years.
  Reverend Bennett also served as a member of the Nevada State Assembly 
for 10 years. As chairman of the Health and Welfare Committee, he 
worked hard to ensure that the State's health care and social welfare 
services kept pace with Nevada's dramatic growth and development. In 
doing so, Reverend Bennett helped expand the opportunities available to 
Nevadans and improve the quality of life in the Silver State.
  His lifetime of service to his church and community has been 
recognized by many organizations including the University of Nevada, 
which conferred upon him its Distinguished Nevadan Award.
  I also want all within the sound of my voice to understand the 
quality of friend Reverend Bennett has been to me. The quality has been 
the best, for which I will always be grateful.
  In short, Reverend Bennett has led a distinguished career and life. 
Please join me in congratulating him on his recent retirement from the 
Zion United Methodist Church, and wishing him health and happiness in 
the future.

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