[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 135 (Tuesday, September 13, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1612-E1613]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            IN RECOGNITION OF REVEREND NORWOOD RICHARD CUFF

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 13, 2011

  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Reverend 
Norwood Cuff for his thirty years of dedication to the ministry. On 
September 10, 2011, members of the Trinity African Methodist Episcopal 
Church in Long Branch, New Jersey will gather to recognize his devotion 
to members of the congregation. His thirty years of dedication and 
commitment to his faith and community are truly worthy of this body's 
recognition.
  Rev. Cuff is an esteemed member of Salem High School's class of 1965. 
Beginning just eight months after graduation, he faithfully served his 
country as a member of the United States Navy. After completing his 
tour of duty, Rev. Cuff attained various retail positions before 
answering a strong religious calling. Rev. Cuff became an active member 
of Mt. Pisgah African Methodist Episcopal (AME) in Salem, New Jersey, 
filling the role of church organist. Under the pastoral leadership of 
Rev. John Boxley and the Mt. Pisgah church family, Rev. Cuff was 
recommended as a member to the New Jersey Conference Ministerial 
Institute of the AME Church. Shortly after, Rev. Cuff enrolled at 
Philadelphia College of Bible and completed his degree in 1984. In 
1988, he graduated from the International Seminary with a Masters 
degree in Biblical Studies. He was later ordained as an Itinerate 
Deacon during his third year in the Ministerial Institute of the AME 
Church. Rev. Cuff would later preside as Pastor at Bethel AME Church in 
Port Norris, New Jersey upon completion of his post graduate studies. 
He was ordained as an Itinerate Elder in the AME Church by Bishop Frank 
Cummings in 1984 and was later assigned the Pastor of St. Mark AME 
Church in Lindenwold, New Jersey. After two years of service, he was 
reassigned to Mt. Zion AME Church in Woodstown, New Jersey where he 
remained for twenty-two years. Rev. Cuff currently serves as Pastor at 
Trinity AME Church in Long Branch, New Jersey.
  In addition to his religious service, Rev. Cuff was an admirable 
member of the West Deptford High School staff for fifteen years and 
officially retired from his position at the Woodbury Junior Senior High 
School in 2008. Among many worthy organizations, Rev. Cuff

[[Page E1613]]

currently serves as Vice President of the Long Branch Urban Ministry, 
member of the Long Branch Housing Advisory Board and is Vice Chairman 
of the New Jersey Natural Gas--Long Branch Community Advisory Panel. 
Rev. Cuff is happily married to his wife, Bonita Wilson, for twenty-
nine years. Together they have raised two daughters, Erinmarie C. Cuff-
Feltcher and Lauren M. Cuff. He is also the proud grandfather of two 
granddaughters.
  Mr. Speaker, once again please join me in congratulating Rev. Cuff 
for thirty years of outstanding service. Pastor Cuff's record of 
outstanding leadership and impressive mentorship is a shining example 
of what hard work and dedication can accomplish.

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