[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 114 (Thursday, September 14, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1719]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO REV. JOSEPH CALVIN NEAL

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                       HON. LYNN A. WESTMORELAND

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 14, 2006

  Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the work of Rev. 
Joseph Calvin Neal, from Carroll County in my district in Georgia.
  Rev. Neal began life in Carroll County as one of 12 children of a 
single mother. As a young teen, he took a job at the Green Front, a 
locally owned restaurant, and was renowned for his ability to take the 
orders of multiple patrons with no notes and never missing a beat.
  Rev. Neal became so beloved by key community leaders that they got 
him a job at Sunset Hills Country Club and eventually encouraged and 
supported him at Paine College in Augusta, where he received a degree 
in music.
  The Lord called Rev. Neal to the ministry, and after his training was 
complete, he began serving as the pastor of several Methodist churches 
in west Georgia.
  But his service at his churches wasn't his only job. During his time 
as pastor, he also worked for the Douglas & Lomason Company, one of the 
major producers of car parts in the country. Even after the plant in 
Carrollton closed down, the company trusted Rev. Neal with the 
oversight of the company property for years afterward.
  But even in working two jobs, Rev. Neal never lost sight of his 
ministry. Normally, a Methodist pastor serves one church and is moved 
from church to church every five or so years. But Rev. Neal was so 
beloved by his congregations that he served as the pastor of 3 churches 
simultaneously--in Newnan, Georgia for 32 years. These churches are 
Smith Chapel UMC, Wesley Chapel UMC, and Clark Chapel UMC. During those 
years, his churches were recognized twice as ``church of the year'' by 
the North Georgia Methodist Conference, another testament to his 
leadership and skill. Rev. Neal also continued his education by 
receiving a Master of Divinity degree from Candler School of Theology 
at Emory University in Atlanta.
  But Rev. Neal also lived out what he preached regarding the 
importance of family--he cared for his mother until she passed away, 
and he continues to live in her house with an older brother.
  He has also been invaluable to the community in Carroll County. He 
has served on the planning commission for the city of Carrollton, the 
Carroll County Water Authority, and on the Chamber of Commerce Board of 
Directors to name a few. Even while working two full-time jobs, Rev. 
Neal still found time to serve his community.
  Rev. Neal has earned the respect and love of the people of Carroll 
County. Even today, when Rev. Neal does something as simple as go out 
to a restaurant to eat, people know him and come speak to him about 
their lives.
  Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to bring a life of service like that of 
Rev. Neal before the House. He is an example to young people across 
this Nation of the type of spirit we need in our citizens--he looks 
beyond what it means to gain notoriety for himself, and focuses on 
serving others. Servant leadership. Something we would do well to 
practice here in Washington, and something that Rev. Neal exemplifies 
by his life. We all wish him the very best in his retirement and 
continued service to my State and our Nation.

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