[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 131 (Tuesday, November 16, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1971-E1972]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 A TRIBUTE TO REVEREND DAVID K. BRAWLEY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 16, 2004

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Reverend David K. Brawley 
for his spiritual guidance and dedication to improving our community.
  Rev. Brawley cultivated a relationship with God's Word when he was 
quite young. At the age of sixteen, he responded to God's will and was 
ordained by Rev. Winfred Pippen. He became the youth minister at First 
Baptist Church of Deer Park, New York, where he maintained his 
membership for thirteen years.
  Rev. Brawley began his full time career in the ministry in 1994 at 
St. Paul Community Baptist Church in Brooklyn, New York. An integral 
part of church leadership, Rev. Brawley is the coordinator for the Men-
in-Training for

[[Page E1972]]

the Board of Elders, and an on-call teacher to the congregation. 
Currently serving as the assistant pastor, Rev. Brawley is the 
principal assistant to senior pastor Rev. Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood in 
a variety of capacities such as pastoral counseling, officiating at 
sacred events such as weddings, baby dedications and funerals, leading 
worship services, teaching and community organizing.
  In particular, Rev. Brawley's organizing efforts play a dynamic role 
in the church's community development activities. He is a member of the 
Governance Board of East Brooklyn Congregations (EBC) and the EBC 
Strategy Team. In his position at EBC, Rev. Brawley has been an 
outspoken advocate for public school reform, and has addressed issues 
such as public safety, housing and quality of life concerns on behalf 
of neighborhood residents. Rev. Brawley's community involvement also 
encompasses his role as Vice President of EDIFY Communities of East New 
York. EDIFY seeks to increase the vitality and value of urban 
communities by pooling resources and charitable funds.
  In October 2004, Rev. Brawley joined the ranks of distinguished 
alumni of the Faith Seminary in Tacoma, Washington, having earned his 
Master's degree in Theological Studies. Rev. Brawley plans to continue 
his studies at Faith and plans to obtain a Doctor of Ministry degree.
  As Rev. Brawley contemplates the growth of ministry, his four 
priorities are creating a vibrant worship experience, edifying God's 
people, community organizing, and economic development. As a pastor, 
Rev. Brawley possesses the gifts of exhortation, inspiration, 
motivation and encouragement. He shares these gifts not only in worship 
services, but also with the community in a variety of venues, such as 
men's conferences, revivals and youth groups. Rev. Brawley resides in 
Brooklyn, New York with his wife Debra and their two children, Rhonesha 
and Michael.
  Mr. Speaker, Reverend David K. Brawley has been a leader in our 
community through his spiritual guidance at St. Paul Community Baptist 
Church and consistent efforts to improve the schools, housing and 
overall quality of life in Brooklyn. As such, he is more than worthy of 
receiving our recognition today, and I urge my colleagues to join me in 
honoring this truly remarkable person.

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