[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 12 (Tuesday, February 8, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E178]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CELEBRATING THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF THE REVEREND WARREN E. DARNELL

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                         HON. GARY L. ACKERMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 8, 2005

  Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the 100th birthday of 
The Reverend Warren E. Darnell and to honor his 75 years of service to 
his community.
  Eager to begin his work in this world, Rev. Darnell was born before 
the doctor arrived at his parents' home on February 4, 1905. From 
nearly that day forward, Rev. Darnell has dedicated his life to helping 
others. He graduated from Hanover College in 1928, and went on to study 
at the Union Theological Seminary, receiving his Master of Divinity 
Studies in 1931.
  Shortly after completing his education and being ordained by the 
Presbyterian Church, Rev. Darnell joined The Community Church of Little 
Neck as a Pastor. During his 53-plus year tenure with the Church, Rev. 
Darnell oversaw tremendous growth in the congregation's membership and 
a considerable expansion of the church facilities. Upon his retirement, 
Rev. Darnell was named Pastor Emeritus of The Community Church of 
Little Neck, and he continued his faithful service to Little Neck and 
the surrounding communities by performing weddings, baptisms, funerals, 
and supplying pulpits until the age of 95.
  In addition to his church service, Rev. Darnell has received numerous 
awards and accolades. He helped found the Great Neck Clergy Association 
to fight anti-Semitism and promote brotherhood, tolerance, and 
understanding among the different religious traditions represented in 
the community. Rev. Darnell also served as the Director and Trustee of 
the New York State Christian Endeavor Union Summer Assemblies, as a 
commissioner to the General Assembly of The United Presbyterian Church, 
and on various committees of the New York City Presbytery.
  Local and family values have always been of the utmost importance to 
Rev. Darnell. He and his wife, Dorothy, celebrated their 75th wedding 
anniversary this past September, together with their three children, 
seven grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, I commend The Reverend Warren E. Darnell for his 75 
years of dedicated service to his community. As a pastor, community 
leader, husband, and father, Rev. Darnell has contributed much to the 
great many lives he has touched. In recognition of this, I ask my 
colleagues in the House of Representatives to please join me in 
honoring The Reverend Warren E. Darnell as he celebrates his 100th 
birthday.

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