[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 15 (Tuesday, February 2, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E121-E122]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING REVEREND DR. RONALD L. OWENS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 2, 2010

  Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Reverend Dr. Ronald 
L. Owens and to congratulate him on his 20th Pastoral Anniversary with 
the New Hope Baptist Church in Metuchen, New Jersey. His presence in 
the church has uplifted his assembly and caused membership to grow 
tremendously. Its growth has been so large that the church now has a 
full time staff of five to six associate ministers, and more than 
thirty active ministries devoted to serving the community.
  In his twenty years with the New Hope Baptist church, Dr. Owens has 
dedicated his life to service and leadership. As the first ever 
Chaplain of the Metuchen Police and Fire Departments, Pastor Owens 
counsels those who have experienced crisis and loss. He is also the 
President and CEO of the House Of Hope Community Development 
Corporation of New Jersey, a non-profit organization that provides 
permanent housing to families in need. Dr. Owens has held numerous 
positions with Baptist groups, including a period as the General 
Secretary for the General Baptist State Convention of New Jersey, an 
association of over 400 member churches.
  Pastor Owens has been commended by several organizations for his 
efforts in the community. He was given the NAACP Merv Alexander 
Political Award for his leadership in Middlesex County. The YMCA of New 
Jersey also decorated Dr. Owens with the Minority Achievers Award. 
Alpha Phi Alpha, of which Dr. Owens is a life time member, presented

[[Page E122]]

him with the Martin Luther King award for outstanding academic 
achievement and community service. In addition to all of these 
tremendous achievements, Pastor Owens has retained a loving 
relationship with his wife Cheryl and raised two daughters, Tracy and 
Kimberly.
  Madam Speaker, it is my hope that my colleagues will join me in 
thanking the Reverend Dr. Ronald L. Owens for his leadership and 
service to New Jersey, as well as congratulate him on his 20th 
anniversary with the New Hope Baptist Church.

                          ____________________