[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 37 (Wednesday, March 5, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E308]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                A TRIBUTE TO PASTOR EMERITUS A.D. THOMAS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 5, 2008

  Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Pastor Emeritus 
A.D. Thomas, who is celebrating more than 50 years in the ministry.
  Pastor Thomas began serving in the ministry in the late 1950s at 
Saint Matthew Baptist Church in Merced, California. In 1966, he was 
called to be pastor of Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church in Pasadena, where 
he ministered for 28 years, until his retirement in 1994.
  Under Pastor Thomas' leadership at Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church, 
many milestones were achieved. A few of the landmark achievements 
include the purchase of the church's surrounding property, construction 
of a new sanctuary and the A.D. Thomas Educational Center and the 
incorporation of Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church.
  Many youth-oriented programs were created under Pastor Thomas' 
guidance, including a scholarship ministry, BEST after-school program, 
children's church, vacation bible school, youth choir, and Baptist 
Youth Fellowship. Other programs created during his tenure were the 
Nurses Guild, food outreach--clothing ministry, the Board of Christian 
Education, the transportation department, and new membership ministry. 
Pastor Thomas has also given generously of his time and experience to 
many community and church-affiliated organizations, such as the 
Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance.
  Pastor Thomas and his wife, Dr. Sandra Thomas, long-time Altadena 
residents, have three children, Michael, Vincent, and Rosalyn, and six 
grandchildren.
  I ask all Members of Congress to join me in congratulating Pastor 
Emeritus A.D. Thomas for his lifetime commitment to religious services 
and the betterment of the community.




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