[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 51 (Tuesday, April 13, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E517]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING REVEREND RUFUS C. GOODMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 13, 2010

  Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Reverend Rufus C. 
Goodman in recognition of his retirement as Pastor of Mt. Carmel 
Baptist Church in Neptune, New Jersey. Reverend Goodman will be honored 
by his parishioners, colleagues, and dear friends at his retirement 
celebration on Friday, April 9, 2010. This celebration is well-deserved 
in light of the Reverend's 49 years of service to Mt. Carmel and 
Neptune Township.
  As Pastor of Mt. Cannel Baptist Church, Reverend Goodman conveyed the 
power of faith and hope to his parishioners through countless sermons 
and counseling sessions. During this time period, the church witnessed 
tremendous growth in membership and public service endeavors. With the 
Reverend's support, the church developed the Community Room for worship 
services, town meetings, and various social events. His tremendous 
dedication to his followers has served to promote faith, peace, and 
harmony throughout his community.
  In addition to serving his parishioners, Reverend Goodman has made 
lasting contributions to his local community. As president of the 
Asbury Park-Neptune Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, Reverend 
Goodman oversaw the awarding of scholarship awards to graduating high 
school students for their academic achievements. While serving as 
secretary of the Neptune Township Welfare Board, Reverend Goodman 
generously offered assistance to families in need of food, shelter, and 
clothing. Furthermore, he provided counseling for unemployed parents 
seeking employment to care for their families. During local riots in 
the late 1960s and early 1970s, the courageous Reverend met with 
participants to listen to their complaints and convey his words of 
peace and harmony. Finally, Reverend Goodman was instrumental in the 
development of the Motivational Center, a center that works with 
various organizations to offer referral services, clean clothing, 
showers, and meals for the poor and underprivileged. His years of work 
with such community initiatives have had a profound impact on numerous 
families across several generations.
  Madam Speaker, I sincerely hope that my colleagues will join me in 
congratulating Reverend Goodman on his retirement, and for his years of 
dedicated leadership to the American people.

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