[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 185 (Wednesday, December 5, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2494]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            A TRIBUTE TO REVEREND DR. WILLIAM A. WATSON, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 5, 2007

  Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute and honor to 
the work and achievements of Rev. Dr. William A. Watson, Jr. A native 
of Portsmouth, Virginia, Reverend William Jr. is the fifth of seven 
children and the first male child born to Deacon William A. Watson, 
Sr., and Cornelia Watson.
  Reverend William Jr. was educated in the Virginia public school 
system. He relocated to Hempstead, New York, and earned a vocational 
degree from Manpower Development Training School in New Hyde Park. 
Reverend William Jr. became a licensed minister in June 1978. He was 
ordained in July 1979 as an assistant to the late Rev. Joseph J. 
Howell. He became the interim Pastor of St. John's Baptist Church in 
Westbury in April 1983. Following that, he became the first secretary 
of the Eastern Baptist Association's Board of Evangelism.
  Reverend William Jr. served as chairman of the board of evangelism; 
vice-moderator of Nassau County; vice-moderator at large of the Eastern 
Baptist Association of New York, Inc. He was appointed Vice President 
of area 7 for the Empire Baptist Missionary Convention, Inc., of New 
York State. In addition, he is the chaplain for the incorporated 
village of Hempstead's police department and president of its board of 
directors.
  Reverend William Jr. is a retired businessman and a 41-year resident 
of the incorporated village of Hempstead. He continues to be on the 
front line of the struggle for unity and empowerment for the church and 
his community.
  Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize Rev. Dr. William A. Watson, 
Jr., for his contributions to our community and for his years of 
service to New Yorkers.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to 
Rev. Dr. William A. Watson, Jr.

                          ____________________