[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 37 (Tuesday, April 5, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E545]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING REVEREND KENNY SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 5, 2005

  Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend 
Reverend Kenny Smith for his exceptional work in the Northern Virginia 
community as pastor of the First Baptist Church in Vienna, Virginia, 
and president of the Fairfax County Branch of the NAACP.
  A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Reverend Smith received a bachelor's 
degree from the University of Nebraska-Omaha. He continued on to 
Virginia Union University's School of Theology, where he graduated 
magna cum laude with a master of divinity degree. Reverend Smith also 
holds a doctor of ministry degree from Virginia Union University's 
School of Theology.
  Reverend Smith serves as pastor of the First Baptist Church of Vienna 
and as an adjunct professor at the Howard University School of 
Theology. He is also the immediate former moderator of the Northern 
Virginia Baptist Association and was elected in June 2003 as Vice 
President of the Baptist General Convention of Virginia.
  During his time as pastor of the First Baptist Church, Reverend Smith 
has been a model of positive influence in the community. His 
congregation has partnered extensively with Habitat for Humanity and 
built several houses for needy families, contributing both labor and 
funds for materials. Through Reverend Smith's leadership, the church 
adopted Shelter House, a shelter located in Falls Church, Virginia for 
homeless families. First Baptist Church has provided Shelter House with 
toys, gifts, funding and other resources for the residents since 1990.
  Reverend Smith's dedication to his community has been recognized by 
many awards including the Dean's Pastor's Award from the Howard 
University School of Theology, the Outstanding Achievement in Religion 
Award from the Howard University Alumni Club of Northern Virginia, the 
Religious Affairs Award from the Fairfax County Branch of the NAACP, 
and the Outstanding Leadership Award from the Northern Virginia Baptist 
Association. He has also been honored by Horizon Community Outreach 
Group, Fairfax County Public Schools, Old Dominion Bar Association, and 
the Fairfax County Human Rights Commission.
  Reverend Smith has been an invaluable asset to the Northern Virginia 
community. He deserves to be commended for his work in the community 
and on his time as president of the Fairfax County Branch of the NAACP.
  Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to express my gratitude to 
Reverend Kenny Smith for all of his efforts on behalf of Northern 
Virginia. He has served his community well, truly meriting recognition. 
I call upon my colleagues to join me in applauding Reverend Kenny 
Smith's accomplishments and in wishing him the best of luck in all 
future endeavors.

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