[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 65 (Tuesday, May 17, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1003]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING REVEREND W. HENRY MAXWELL, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT C. SCOTT

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 17, 2005

  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Reverend W. 
Henry Maxwell, Sr., who is retiring from his role as Pastor of Ivy 
Baptist Church in Newport News, Virginia.
  Reverend Maxwell served as pastor at Ivy Baptist for 37 years. In 
this position, he has been an extraordinary shepherd over a vibrant and 
growing flock. I have attended Sunday services at Ivy Baptist and seen 
his hand at work in his church and community. During his tenure, the 
Church established a Day Care ministry that has been a vital and 
thriving community resource for over thirty years. Under his 
leadership, the church outgrew its original building, and Reverend 
Maxwell oversaw the purchase of and transition to a new location. And 
seven years ago, not to rest on previous accomplishments, Reverend 
Maxwell spurred the construction of an additional wing to the current 
Church location, that the congregation saw fit to name the W. Henry 
Maxwell Family Life Center. Even though he officially retired December 
31, 2004, Reverend Maxwell has graciously served as interim pastor 
while the church searched for his successor.
  Through his counsel and mentorship, the Ivy Baptist family has 
produced successful businesspeople, local, state, and federal 
government workers, and 14 licensed ministers. Reverend Maxwell has 
worked tirelessly to improve the lives of his parishioners and the 
lives of all citizens in the church's Southeast Newport News community. 
His steadfast commitment to principle is well documented through his 
service on numerous associations, including a term as President of the 
Newport News Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of 
Colored People (NAACP).
  His dedication to civic improvement is best illustrated through his 
work as a public servant. Reverend Maxwell represented citizens from 
the cities of Newport News and Hampton as both a member of the Virginia 
House of Delegates and the Virginia State Senate in a twenty-year 
political career. Reverend Maxwell spent much of his time and effort in 
the Virginia General Assembly addressing the various disparities faced 
by many of his constituents--the culmination of this effort being his 
work as an early proponent of diversity in the state judiciary. In his 
role as State Senator, Reverend Maxwell strove to make sure that the 
judiciary was comprised of judges more representative of the 
communities they served, and he has ensured that all Virginians who 
walk into a court feel that they have a fair chance of equal protection 
under the law.
  I had the honor and privilege of serving with Reverend Maxwell in the 
Virginia General Assembly for nine years, and I have worked with him 
outside of the Assembly on many issues. Reverend Maxwell, as a humble 
servant of God, would balk at the accolades I have bestowed upon him, 
but I would be remiss if I did not say I consider him an ally, mentor, 
and friend.
  On the occasion of his retirement, it gives me great pleasure to 
recognize and commend Reverend W. Henry Maxwell, Sr. for his service 
and dedication to the parishioners of lvy Baptist Church and to the 
people of Newport News and Hampton, Virginia.

                          ____________________