[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 23 (Tuesday, February 28, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E207]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO PASTOR CATO BROOKS, JR.

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                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 28, 2006

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and sincerity that 
I wish to honor Pastor Cato Brooks, Jr. of the Tree of Life Missionary 
Baptist Church In Gary, Indiana, and his wife, Mrs. Bettye Brooks. The 
members of the Tree of Life Missionary Baptist Church will be honoring 
Pastor and Mrs. Brooks throughout the month of March for their many 
years of service to the congregation.
  Pastor Brooks was born in Forrest City, Arkansas, where he attended 
Steward Elementary School and Lincoln High School. During high school, 
Pastor Brooks proved himself to be a stellar athlete, having been 
honored as an All-State football and basketball player. For his efforts 
in athletics, in 1999, Pastor Brooks was honored by his hometown and 
inducted into the Hall of Fame. Following high school, Pastor Brooks 
attended Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA and then answered the 
call to serve a tour of duty in the U.S. Army. Upon completion of his 
tour, he returned to school at the University of Kansas, seeking a 
degree in Sociology. Pastor Brooks has also attended the Mid-America 
Baptist Seminary, Ouachita Baptist University, and Indiana Christian 
University, where he earned a bachelor's and a master's Degree, as well 
as a doctorate of divinity. Pastor Brooks also received his Ph.D. in 
Communiology from California Western University of Palo Alto, CA.
  Pastor Brooks began his ministry on January 26, 1969. He served as 
Pastor of the Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Little 
Rock, Arkansas from 1970 to 1977 before relocating to serve as Pastor 
of the First Baptist Church in East Chicago, Indiana; 18 months later, 
Pastor Brooks organized the Tree of Life Missionary Baptist Church, 
serving a congregation of only 26 members, where he continues to serve 
today as Senior Pastor. He is also the Chairman of the Tree of Life 
Community Development Corporation and Care Center and a former Chaplain 
for the Gary Police Department.
  Pastor Brooks has also achieved many accolades and accomplishments 
throughout his lifetime. To name a few, Pastor Brooks has been 
recognized by the NAACP, A Walk Without Fear, for his efforts in the 
civil rights movement, and on May 23, 2004, he was elected Moderator of 
the Northern Indiana Missionary Baptist District Association. In 
addition, Pastor Brooks published his first book, Studies in Ephesians, 
in September 2003.
  The youngest of 9 children, Bettye Brooks was born in Little Rock, 
Arkansas, where she attended the Little Rock public schools. She later 
attended Arkansas Baptist College, Henderson State Teachers' College, 
Philander Smith College, and Indiana University Northwest. Mrs. Brooks 
has a degree in Business Administration and is a certified Personnel 
Management Specialist, Housing Counselor, and Housing Development 
Professional.
  Mrs. Brooks has held several positions in government and community 
service throughout her professional career. She has been a Grants 
Management Supervisor for the City of Little Rock, a State Planner for 
the State of Arkansas, serving under then-Governor Bill Clinton, a 
personnel director for Pulaski County, AR, a Regional Program 
Specialist for the National Urban League, and an Employment Specialist 
for the Lake County Job Training Corporation.
  After coming to Tree of Life in 1991, Mrs. Brooks became the 
Executive Director of the Tree of Life Community Development 
Corporation. In this capacity, she and her housing development partner 
have successfully rehabbed over 600 housing units in Gary, East 
Chicago, and South Bend, Indiana. In addition, Mrs. Brooks serves as 
the administrator for Treasure's Child Development Center and was 
recognized for her efforts in 1993 with the Athena Award by the Gary 
Chamber of Commerce. Mrs. Brooks also serves in many other capacities 
within the church and the community. She is a Sunday School teacher, a 
trustee, Executive Director of Development and Training, Finance 
Coordinator, and First Cook at the church. She is also a past president 
of the Ernie Pyle PTA and the Inter-Denomination Association of 
Minister Wives' and Widows' of Gary and Vicinity.
  Most impressively, the Brooks's never let their accomplishments get 
in the way of their family. Pastor and Mrs. Brooks are also the proud 
parents of 6 children and 13 grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, at this time I ask that you and my other distinguished 
colleagues join me in congratulating Pastor and Mrs. Cato Brooks, Jr. 
as they are honored for their service and ministry throughout the month 
of March. Their years of service have touched and improved the lives of 
all whom they have served. Their unselfish and lifelong dedication is 
worthy of the highest commendation, and I am proud to represent them in 
Congress.

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