[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 111 (Thursday, September 8, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1795]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                 A TRIBUTE TO REVEREND RALPH E. BLANKS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT A. BRADY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 8, 2005

  Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Reverend Ralph E. Blanks for his installation to the Superintendence of 
the Central District. An inspirational member of our community and roll 
model to all, Reverend Blanks has served as the Senior Pastor of Janes 
Memorial United Methodist Church since July of 2001. Prior, Reverend 
Blanks served for more than 15 years as the Pastor of Mother African 
Zoar United Methodist Church--the Mother Church for African Americans 
in the United Methodism.
  Beyond his church ministry, Reverend Blanks also serves in leadership 
positions in several prestigious faith-based organizations. He is 
currently Chair of the United Methodist Metro Ministries of Eastern 
Pennsylvania Conference and Chair of the Resource Development Committee 
of the African American Interdenominational Ministries, Inc.
  His religious involvement in the community is not the only extent to 
which Reverend Blanks gives so generously to others. He is also a 
current Mayoral appointee to the School District of Philadelphia Board 
and Chair of the City of Philadelphia's Fair Housing Commission. Among 
other honors, he serves as the Vice Chair of the North Philadelphia 
Health System, Chair of the Patient Services Committee of St. Joseph's 
Hospital and several community boards including the Korean Community 
Development Service Center and Greater Philadelphia Health Action, Inc.
  Among the many awards given to Reverend Blanks, the Community Spirit 
Award from the African American Interdenominational Ministries; the 
Presidents award from the Black Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity; 
the Human Rights Award from the Philadelphia Commission on Human 
Relations; the Preacher of the Year Award by the Black United Methodist 
Preachers; the Outstanding Service to Community and Church Award from 
the City Council of Philadelphia; and the Liberty Bell Award from the 
City of Philadelphia.
  I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me in 
congratulating Reverend Ralph E. Blanks, for his lifetime of service 
and dedicated commitment to the community, on his installation to the 
Superintendence of the Central District.

                          ____________________