[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 85 (Thursday, May 22, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1013]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1013]]
              HONORING THE REVEREND DR. ALBERT F. CAMPBELL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CHAKA FATTAH

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 21, 2008

  Mr. FATTAH. Madam Speaker, a distinguished preacher and spiritual 
leader in Philadelphia, the Reverend Doctor Albert F. Campbell, the 
pastor of Mount Carmel Baptist Church, is observing a milestone that 
provides his congregants, his many followers and admirers along with 
friends and family, an opportunity to celebrate his long and productive 
ministry.
  Pastor Campbell has been a rock in West Philadelphia, as a man of 
God, a man of the people, a leader of the community and a role model 
for all of those in his sphere.
  He has presided over Mount Carmel Baptist--``a revolutionary church 
engaged in revolutionary services''--for 42 years, succeeding the 
Reverend Doctor Dennie W. Hoggard. A passionate and inspiring young 
preacher from Beulah Baptist Church of New York City, Reverend Campbell 
arrived in Philadelphia with his wife, Ruth Price Campbell, and their 
sons, Albert Jr. and Milton K., to step into the pulpit at Mount Carmel 
on May 22, 1966. Each year, a Sunday in late May is celebrated as the 
anniversary of his installation, and this year is no exception--with 
Pastor Appreciation Day May 25, 2008.
  The measure of Reverend Campbell's greatness is evident upon a visit 
to the church, at 5732 Race Street, to the surrounding community and 
even to its Web site, which lists no fewer than 61 separate ministries. 
While the church dates back 126 years, it has grown immensely in the 
four decades plus of Reverend Campbell's pastorate.
  The Reverend Campbell had directed and managed Mount Carmel in an 
inspirational manner while preaching the word of God to a ``People in 
Pilgrimage,'' bound for the destination of which God said, ``I will 
give it to you''.
  With a keen eye for management as well as a heart filled with the 
word of the Lord, Reverend Campbell has guided the Church to prominence 
in the faith and civic life of the City of Brotherly Love. His vision 
for Mount Carmel has encompassed all facets of the Church and its work. 
He has expanded Mount Carmel's ministries, its outstanding youth and 
educational programs, and its civic and community development outreach 
across West Philadelphia, impacting its neighbors, reaching out to 
those in need and to those searching for spiritual fulfillment. Musical 
programs have been a specialty, and in an especially proud moment, the 
Mount Carmel orchestra was once invited to perform at the White House.
  And so upon this joyous occasion of the 42nd anniversary of his 
installation, I invite my colleagues to join me in extending 
congratulations, best wishes and continued success in the Lord's work 
to the Reverend Doctor Albert F. Campbell, my pastor and a pastor who 
has served tirelessly for the betterment of all Philadelphians.

                          ____________________