[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 68 (Thursday, April 26, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E884-E885]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF PASTOR PAUL HIRAM WELCH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 26, 2007

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the U.S. Congress, 
it is with great honor that I rise today to recognize Pastor Paul Hiram 
Welch for his lifelong service and dedication to the First Pentecostal 
Church in Pensacola, FL.
  Pastor Welch discovered his calling at the early age of three when he 
was introduced to the ministry by his father, D.L. Welch, upon his 
establishment of First Pentecostal Church of Pensacola. Pastor Welch's 
love for the ministry only continued to strengthen. He followed in his 
father's footsteps and chose to lead the spiritual growth of the 
community. At the age of 16, Pastor Welch preached his first revival 
and began his own evangelical ministry upon graduating from high 
school.
  He returned to Pensacola in 1956 to serve as Associate Pastor and 3 
years later, he married Shirley Ann Lane of Montgomery, AL. Members of 
the congregation came to know them as Brother Paul and Sister Shirley. 
In the mid-70s, Brother Paul was named Pastor of First Pentecostal 
Church in Pensacola. The impact Pastor Welch has had on the community 
is immeasurable; so many have come to know and love the Lord through 
his service to God.
  The selfless contributions of this man are not limited to just one 
church. Pastor Welch has served as a member of the Florida District 
Board of the United Pentecostal Church International for more than 32 
years and now

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serves as an honorary board member. He also serves on the board of 
Lighthouse Ranch for Boys in Hammond, LA.
  Through his leadership and dedication, Pastor Paul Welch has 
honorably and spiritually served the church and the northwest Florida 
community. But he is also a loving husband and father, and Pensacola is 
truly blessed to have him as one of her own.
  Madam Speaker, on behalf of the U.S. Congress, I would like to offer 
my sincere gratitude to a man who has served as an inspiration to us 
all. A deep sense of personal service to his faith for so many years is 
something to truly be admired and honored.

                          ____________________