[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 96 (Thursday, June 24, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1188]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 A TRIBUTE TO REVEREND EARL JONES, SR.

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                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS-

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 24, 2010

  Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Reverend 
Earl Jones, Sr. for his unwavering commitment and service to his faith 
and community.
  Reverend Earl Jones, Sr. preached his trial sermon in March of 1981, 
and became an Associate Minister of the Universal Baptist Church. In 
March of 1983, Dr. John H. Nichols and the First Calvary Baptist Church 
called Rev. Jones to be Assistant to the Pastor. Rev. Jones served in 
this capacity until the Lord called Dr. Nichols from labor to reward in 
June of 1984, after which, the First Calvary Baptist Church called Rev. 
Jones to serve as interim Pastor for one year. Rev. Jones was called to 
the pastorate of the First Calvary Baptist Church in June of 1985.
  Reverend Jones has been a man of vision and great faith, leading his 
congregation to spiritual heights and service not only to each other 
but, most importantly to those in the community. Under his leadership 
the church has started an Outreach Ministry; Vacation Bible School; a 
soup kitchen which also distributes clothing to the needy and homeless; 
provided clothing and other needed items to the Renaissance Women's 
Facility and home goods and toys to the mothers and children of the 
Rose Kennedy Home for Displaced Mothers and Children; established the 
First Calvary Baptist Church Bible Institute; undertook a total 
renovation of the church edifice; and added more than 1000 new members 
to the church membership.
  Currently, Reverend Jones is solidifying the plans for ``Project 
Kingdom,'' which will be the relocation of our current church to a 
38,000 square ft area to include a 1,200 seat sanctuary, state of the 
art multi-purpose facility including a banquet hall, classrooms, 
administrative offices and gymnasium. Our current site will become a 53 
family apartment building, including a medical facility.
  Reverend Jones is also working with federal, state and local elected 
officials in the area of green technology, addressing environmental 
issues and solutions such as converting waste to energy.
  Under his leadership, the church has organized a movement of pastors, 
churches and other lay persons to address the issue of black on black 
crime in our neighborhoods. Too many of our black youth are being 
gunned down and his message is, ``If Not Now, Then When, If Not Us, 
Then Who.'' They have embraced the concept of peace action designed by 
Dr. Matthew Johnson, which teaches them to identify and develop 
strategies to handle conflicts other than in a violent manner.
  Reverend Jones has worked and been very successful in the financial 
and business industries, but he has remained faithful to his first love 
(God) and the work of the ministry. In June 1995, Rev. Jones was named 
``Minister of the Week'' for his outstanding leadership and outreach to 
the community.
  Reverend Jones has held several positions of leadership, including 
Moderator of the New York Missionary Baptist Association; a member of 
the Board of Directors of the Hampton Ministers and Musicians 
Conference; an officer of the Progressive National Baptist Convention; 
the Chairman of the Community Advisory Board of Brooklyn Hospital; and 
he serves on various political and civic committees throughout the 
city.
  Reverend Jones is a pastor, preacher, teacher, husband, father, 
grandfather, godfather, friend and visionary whose mission is to bring 
people to Jesus.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 
contributions of Reverend Earl Jones, Sr.

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