[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 129 (Wednesday, November 15, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2035]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN RECOGNITION OF DR. CURTIS J. MITCHELL'S TWENTY YEARS OF SERVICE

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                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 15, 2006

  Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Curtis J. 
Mitchell's twenty years of service to the people of Sacramento as 
pastor of Antioch Progressive Church. Over the weekend of October 7th 
and 8th Dr. Mitchell's parishioners, family and friends will gather to 
recognize his good work. I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring 
one of Sacramento's finest leaders.
  For over thirty years Pastor Mitchell has been in the gospel ministry 
in various locations across our Nation. He has earned a Doctorate of 
Philosophy and Master of Ministry from Trinity Theological Seminary in 
Newburg, Indiana, graduating Summa Cum Laude.
  His tireless work on behalf of the Sacramento community has been 
surpassed by few. Since coming to Sacramento, Pastor Mitchell has 
turned Antioch Progressive Church into a pillar of the community by 
offering a welcoming spiritual environment and a wide range of needed 
services to area residents. Since the church was established, the 
immediate neighborhood has greatly improved its well-being and spirit.
  The church's motto, ``We Dare to be Different'' aptly describes their 
continued service to our community. Under Pastor Mitchell's guidance, 
the church has offered job fairs, after school programs and marriage 
counseling, just to name a few. Every week the church's parishioners 
give back to the community by distributing free food to the most needy 
among us.
  Pastor Mitchell has personally shaped our community. He has worked 
with the Sacramento County Department of Health, the Task Force on 
AIDS, the Board of Directors of the Goodwill Industries, and with the 
Sacramento Police Department in an effort to steer kids away from 
gangs.
  With almost a thousand parishioners, a large and beautiful house of 
worship and acres of land for the community to enjoy, Antioch 
Progressive Church has become a staple of the Sacramento Community.
  Mr. Speaker, as Pastor Curtis Mitchell, his wife Kay, their children 
and grandchildren gather on this momentous occasion, I am honored to 
pay tribute to one of Sacramento's most distinguished citizens. His 
successes have been many, and it is an honor for me to recognize his 
twenty years of contributions to the people of Sacramento. I ask all my 
colleagues to join me in wishing Pastor Mitchell continued success at 
Antioch Progressive Church and in our community.

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