[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 134 (Thursday, December 7, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2130]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING REVEREND FRED RANDLES

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 6, 2006

  Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, today I have the privilege of recognizing a 
dear friend of mine. Reverend Fred Randles of Sulphur Springs, who is 
retiring as minister of music after serving the church and community 
for the past 25 years.
  Reverend Randles has dedicated his life to making music, for which he 
has received certificates of appreciation from 4 U.S. Presidents and 
the U.S. Congress. Additionally, the governments of Cozumel, Mexico, 
Bahamas, and the entertainment division of Disney World have recognized 
him.
  His youth choirs have toured extensively, singing throughout the U.S. 
and in Ireland, Canada, Puerto Rico, Mexico, and the Bahamas as well as 
on a number of cruise ships. The youth choir under his direction has 
also appeared on Good Morning America and the Early Show on CBS.
  Reverend Randles also has enjoyed many achievements with the senior 
adult choir known as the Silvertone Choir. Under his direction, this 
group has recorded for Benson Music Company and performed at a variety 
of conventions and conferences. They have had the privilege to perform 
at conferences in Glorieta, New Mexico; Ridgecrest, North Carolina; and 
Williamsburg, Virginia.
  A particularly noteworthy accomplishment is Rev. Randles' assistance 
in originating the Northeast Texas Symphony in conjunction with Sarah 
Smith, Scott York, and others from Texas A&M Commerce. This symphonic 
group performed its first concert at First Baptist Church and has grown 
considerably with his assistance.
  Reverend Randles has been asked to conduct funeral services of more 
than 1000 people and officiate, sing for or do both at the wedding 
ceremonies of more than 200 couples. He has also provided music for a 
variety of functions, including the Dairy Festival, the annual Hospital 
Christmas Tree lighting, baseball games, and area worship services.
  Reverend Randles is married to Jane and they have one daughter, 
Natalie, who is married to Darren Brown. Olivia Brown is their 
granddaughter and a second grandchild is on the way.
  Due in no small part to Natalie's violin playing, Jane has worked to 
bring a beginning strings program to the Sulphur Springs I.S.D. This 
program has brought orchestral music to the lives of children who 
otherwise would not have had the opportunity .
  Rev. Randles has made a lasting contribution to his community, and in 
celebrating his retirement, I join his family, church, and friends in 
expressing appreciation for the many ways he has shared his music, 
faith, and fellowship. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in 
paying tribute to Rev. Fred Randles for his many years of service and 
wishing him well in his retirement years.

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