[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 39 (Thursday, April 7, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E572]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        TRIBUTE TO REVEREND DOCTOR WILLIAM RAYMOND WHITAKER, JR.

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                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 6, 2005

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Reverend Doctor William 
Raymond Whitaker, Jr., in recognition of his dedication to his church 
and community.
  Reverend Doctor William Raymond Whitaker, Jr., was born in Newport 
News, Virginia on November 12, 1959. The Whitaker family moved shortly 
thereafter to Brooklyn, New York. Dr. Whitaker is a product of the 
Bedford Stuyvesant Tompkins Project community. He attended Carter G. 
Woodson Public School 23, Mark Hopkins Junior High School 33, Fort 
Hamilton High School and graduated from the former Eastern District 
High School. Furthering his education, he attended Adelphi Academy, 
majoring in Business. Pastor Whitaker obtained his Bachelor of Theology 
degree from Community Bible Institute in Brooklyn in May 1999 and his 
Master of Theology from Chelsea University in London, England, where he 
graduated with the highest academic distinction, summa cum laude, in 
May 2004. On October 4, 2004, the Hope for All Bible College bestowed 
upon Reverend Whitaker the Honorary Doctorate of Divinity degree.
  Dr. Whitaker was called to the Ministry at the young age of 16 and 
preached his initial sermon in October 1976 under the leadership of 
Reverend Joseph Stiff, Jr., of Bethel Church of God in Christ. He 
served faithfully as an usher, choir member and Sunday school student. 
In June 1985, he was licensed by Greater Free Gift and ordained in 
November 1986. On December 13, 1994, Rev. Whitaker was called by the 
Lord to serve as Pastor of the Greater Free Gift Baptist Church and 
since then, the ministry has and continues to multiply. He preaches the 
Word of God in a manner that can be applied to everyday life.
  Dr. Whitaker answered yet another call on his life, which was to 
establish the Greater Free Gift Bible Institute where he diligently 
shares his knowledge and wisdom as president and teacher. Under the 
leadership of this great visionary, hundreds have been blessed, 
encouraged, inspired and delivered. He continues to lead the Greater 
Free Gift Baptist Church to make even greater strides in its growth and 
development, including the formation of the Drama and Dance Ministry 
and ``Serenity on Stockton Street.'' Rev. Whitaker's sole desire is to 
help people reach their ultimate potential spirituality by developing a 
personal relationship with God.
  In addition to being dynamic preacher and teacher, Pastor Whitaker is 
a world-renowned vocalist. He has recorded songs with legendary gospel 
artists such as ``The Godfather of Gospel'' Elder Timothy Wright and 
performed throughout the world including in Paris, France. His 
commitment to the community is evident by his service as the Former 
Chair of Evangelism for the Eastern Region of the Progressive National 
Baptist Convention and his involvement in the National Baptist 
Convention Housing Staff USA, Inc. He is the former Vice-Chairman of 
the Board of Trustees, former Director of the Music Department of the 
New York Missionary Baptist Association as well as the former 
Ecumenical Director to Congressman Ed Towns. Additional community 
affiliations include Central Brooklyn Churches, Police Benevolent 
Association, 303 Vernon Board of Managers and AIDS Awareness seminar 
(graduate of ARRIVE where he received his license as counselor). He 
also serves as a mentor to the students at IS 33.
  Mr. Speaker, Reverend Doctor William Raymond Whitaker, Jr., has 
dedicated his life to his church and community. 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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