[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 90 (Wednesday, June 16, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1120]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              A TRIBUTE TO REVEREND DR. MARVIN J. BENTLEY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS-

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 16, 2010

  Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Reverend Dr. 
Marvin J. Bentley for his contributions to his community and commitment 
to his faith.
  The Reverend Dr. Marvin J. Bentley was born in Brooklyn, New York. He 
received his basic religious training at the Cornerstone Baptist 
Church, and under the tutelage of the late Dr. Sandy F. Ray he became 
licensed to preach the gospel by the Cornerstone Baptist Church.
  Dr. Bentley was educated within the New York public school system; he 
attained his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of New York 
at Stony Brook with majors in Health Science and Social Welfare. He 
obtained his seminary education at Union Theological Seminary in New 
York City, securing a Master's in Divinity degree. At Drew University, 
in Madison, NJ he earned his Doctor of Ministry degree, and he recently 
received an Associate's Degree from Nassau Community College, L.I, 
N.Y., in Applied Science.
  Dr. Bentley was ordained at the Abyssinian Baptist Church, where he 
served as the assistant minister under the mentorship of Dr. Samuel D. 
Proctor, and Dr. Calvin Butts III. Dr. Bentley is active in many civic 
and community activities. He serves on numerous boards and committees 
and is the former President of American Baptist Churches of Metro New 
York. He is a former Naval Chaplain in the United States Naval Reserve. 
He has served as President and Vice-President of Community School Board 
30, former member of Community Board 3, and past President of the 
Corona East Elmhurst Clergy Association. He is the recipient of many 
civic and religious awards and honors.
  As pastor, Dr. Bentley has been serving the Antioch Baptist Church of 
Corona for 30 years, enjoying a blessed ministry. During his tenure at 
the church, it has relocated into a beautiful, gothic style new church 
home in Corona, Queens, New York. It has grown to numerous ministries 
that include male and female ``Right of Passage'' ministries, the 
Antioch Bible Institute, Christian Bookstore, Video Ministry, Credit 
Union and Athletic Ministry.
  In addition, under Pastor Bentley's leadership, the Antioch Baptist 
Church of Corona has embarked upon a ministry to liquidate the credit 
card debt of their congregation. The model for the vision was given to 
Pastor Bentley by Bishop C. Vernie Russell Jr, Pastor MT. Carmel 
Baptist Church, and Norfolk, VA. This ministry has caused the 
congregation to look at their finances, spending, and saving habits. 
The Antioch church is embracing the biblical motif that as Christians, 
they are not to be indebted to anyone but God, and they are to help 
others according to their needs. The idea to get out of debt is 
embraced so that they can remain free of fiscal difficulties.
  Pastor Bentley is married to his high school sweetheart, Carla and 
they are the proud parents of three lovely children.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 
work of Reverend Dr. Marvin J. Bentley.

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