[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 53 (Friday, April 4, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E517]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING PASTOR HOWARD-JOHN WESLEY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 4, 2008

  Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Madam Speaker, it is an honor and 
privilege for me to celebrate the success of Pastor Howard-John Wesley. 
Pastor Wesley has accomplished a great deal in his 10 years at St. 
John's Congregational Church. Increasing the membership from 40 to over 
3,000 is a very impressive feat. It may be his impressive sermons that 
continue to bring people from all walks of life to this church. Or 
perhaps it is his willingness and ability to help people who need his 
guidance. Either way, he consistently gathers thousands of people every 
week to celebrate together and follow in Gods path.
  Pastor Wesley has brought Baptist influences to one of the oldest 
African American churches in the State, which tended to be very 
traditional and affluent. This uneasy path certainly came with a great 
deal of opposition. Nevertheless, he continued to encourage all 
citizens of the community to join his congregation as he stressed the 
need to closely follow the teachings of the bible.
  While thousands gather at St. Johns to hear Pastor Wesley, he has 
also brought his powerful influence and Gods word into the community. 
He is on several boards in Springfield and has established several 
ministries within the church to deal with specific needs in education, 
youth, and the elderly. He welcomes many students from local colleges 
who consistently attend his services. He also influenced former 
residents of the York Street and Ludlow jail systems to become 
``Ministers In Training''. These accomplishments truly highlight his 
desire to give back and help those throughout the community.
  I would like to close by thanking you for allowing me to speak on 
this wonderful occasion. I am so grateful to be able to honor this 
tremendous man, who has given almost 20 years proclaiming Gods word. 
His service to the church and the community has not gone unnoticed. 
Although today marks the end of his time here in Springfield, he will 
continue to touch others through his eloquent sermons and teachings at 
Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, VA. Congratulations, good 
luck, and thank you for all you have done for this community.

                          ____________________