[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 25 (Thursday, February 25, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E260]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING PASTOR WALTER THOMAS RICHARDSON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARIO DIAZ-BALART

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 25, 2010

  Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, today I rise to 
honor one of the most devoted and beloved leaders in South Florida, Dr. 
Walter Thomas Richardson, whose dedication to God, his faith and his 
community has allowed him to break social barriers and touched 
thousands of lives.
  Since 1983, Pastor Richardson has served as Senior Pastor of Sweet 
Home Missionary Baptist Church in Perrine, Florida and his preaching 
has enriched the faith and lives of many. He is a Miami native, married 
to M. Dolores, father to Walter L. and LaKisha, and proud grandfather 
of seven. His family has played a key role in his development as pastor 
and community leader. He learned of the importance of community service 
at a young age, from his parents, Bishop Walter H. and Mrs. Poseline M. 
Richardson and in 1969, while serving in the military, felt a calling 
for the ministry. His education has also played an important role in 
his formation. He obtained both Bachelor and Master Degrees from St. 
Thomas University, and a Doctorate from Trinity Theological Seminary.
  Pastor Richardson is a leading voice of social justice and 
multicultural integration. His congregation is formed by Native 
Americans, African Americans, Hispanics, Haitians and several Caribbean 
Islands among many other groups. His love of service has manifested 
itself in multiple ways. He is a professor of religion at St. Thomas 
University, Chaplain in the Miami-Dade Police Department, and Board 
Member of Florida Memorial College, New World School of the Arts, the 
Community Relations Board and the Alliance for Human Services, to name 
a few. He is also author of Going through Samaria, a book which teaches 
about the importance of Christianity, and had recorded 30 songs and 
composed more than 100. His unique service and leadership has gained 
him recognitions from the City of Miami, the City of Fort Lauderdale 
and National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
  As we celebrate Black History Month, I ask you to join me in honoring 
the work of Pastor Water Thomas Richardson and thanking him for his 
service to our community. He has improved the lives of many.