[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 38 (Thursday, March 30, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E470-E471]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATIONS TO BETHEL APOSTOLIC TEMPLE ON ITS FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY

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                         HON. KENDRICK B. MEEK

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 30, 2006

  Mr. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to the 
Bethel Apostolic Temple on the occasion of its Golden Anniversary. On 
Saturday, April 1, 2006, the Reverend Carol Nash will lead her 
congregation, along with several guests, to celebrate this milestone at 
the Church's Humanitarian Awards Banquet to be held at the Miami 
Embassy Suites Hotel Grand Ballroom. This event will also honor two 
distinguished members of our community, former Congresswoman Carrie P. 
Meek, my mother, and the Reverend Dr. George E. McRae, my pastor and 
the pastor of Mt. Tabor Missionary Baptist Church.
  Founded by the late Dr. Doris R.L. Atkins in January 9, 1956, this 
citadel of faith in Miami-Dade County has been an unerring witness to 
the spiritual revivalism that undergirds the power of fasting, faith 
and prayer. Dr. Atkins was the resilient leader of this church and an 
inspiration to a remarkable group of pastors, evangelists and bishops 
who are now ministering to a number of churches throughout South 
Florida. Dr. Michael Moss took over in 1988, and through his dynamic 
theological teaching and progressive preaching, Bethel Apostolic Temple 
experienced a period of tremendous growth. This visionary pastor led 
his congregation in 1997 to what has now become one of the landmark 
churches in South Florida.
  Reverend Nash assumed the pastorate in 1998 from Dr. Moss, and under 
her leadership, its burgeoning membership has taken on

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a tremendous renewal of faith and its outreach mission has gone above 
and beyond the confines of our community. With its vision of holistic 
empowerment, grounded in biblical principles, Bethel Apostolic Temple 
evokes a spirit of excellence grounded in compassion and charity not 
only to its members, but to all those who seek refuge and solace in its 
sanctuary.
  With the establishment of the Bethel Temple Community Development 
Corporation, My Sister's Closet (a boutique for women and families 
going from Welfare to Work), along with the Bethel Computer Lab, the 
Bethel Institute for Living, Bethel Partners in Dominion, and its Youth 
Ministry Council, this faithinstitution has truly become not only an 
instrument of spiritual enrichment, but also a vehicle for economic 
development. It is in this context that I commend the tremendous work 
of Rev. Nash, and cherish the memory of Dr. Atkins and Dr. Moss who 
bequeathed to her a vibrant Church and an active congregation.
  Through the longevity of its faith-action service, Bethel Apostolic 
Temple has truly persevered in showing us the Way and expounding for us 
the Truth that emanate from our knowledge of the Gospels. It is through 
this ministry that its role has been defined and is wisely articulated 
by the injunction that the genuine measure of our love for God is 
conditioned by our commitment ``* * * to the least of these.''
  Indeed, Rev. Nash's timely and inspiring leadership is genuinely 
admirable. As a servant of God and as a community leader, she has 
indeed earned our deepest respect and superlative commendation. This is 
the legacy of Bethel Apostolic Temple on its 50th Anniversary. Our 
entire community shares the joy of this occasion and extends best 
wishes for the future.

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