[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 28 (Thursday, March 10, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E427]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING JAMES O. PEOPLES, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 10, 2005

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today on behalf of Foss 
Avenue Baptist Church, in my hometown of Flint, Michigan, to honor 
James O. Peoples, Jr., for 48 years of dedicated service as the 
Church's Director of Music. On Sunday, March 13, 2005, the congregation 
of Foss Avenue will recognize Mr. Peoples' accomplishments during a 
celebration, which will include a musical program and reception, to be 
held at the church.
  James Peoples, Jr. has been blessed with a natural talent and passion 
for music. His obvious abilities were refined as he studied Management 
and Music at C.S. Mott Community College, and later Music Theory at 
Cook Conservatory of Music. James's education did not end there, as he 
spent 11 years under the direction of various professionals in a wide 
array of styles including opera, classical, and lyrical melodies and 
harmony.
  Since 1956, Mr. Peoples has performed the Lord's work as Director of 
Music for Foss Avenue Baptist Church. As Director, he has managed over 
200 voices and staff, and recorded three albums. In addition, from 1987 
to 1992, he served simultaneously as Director of Music for the 
Wolverine State Baptist Convention and Musical Director of the National 
Baptist Convention. Mr. Peoples has also acted as Director of the Flint 
Symphony Orchestra.
  Mr. Peoples is best noted for his work with anthems, hymns and 
spiritual arrangements. He has conducted music workshops throughout the 
state, and in March 2003, he was recognized as Music Director of the 
Year by the Wolverine Baptist Convention Women's Auxiliary. Aside from 
being an outstanding leader and role model, Mr. Peoples is also a 
loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
  Mr. Speaker, Psalms 66:1-2 says: ``Make a joyful noise unto God, all 
ye lands: Sing forth the honor of his name: make his praise glorious.'' 
For 48 years, the members of Foss Avenue Baptist Church have indeed 
made a joyful noise, and it is because of people like James Peoples, 
Jr. I ask my colleagues in the 109th Congress to please join me in 
honoring Mr. Peoples' contributions to spreading the Lord's word.




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