[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 191 (Tuesday, December 13, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2244-E2245]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF REV. DR. KENNY SMITH AND HIS 25 YEARS OF SERVICE TO 
                     FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF VIENNA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 13, 2011

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
Reverend Dr.

[[Page E2245]]

Kenny Smith and to celebrate his 25 years of service to the First 
Baptist Church of Vienna.
  Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Pastor Smith earned his Bachelor's Degree 
in 1977, his Master of Divinity Degree from Howard University in 1987, 
and his Doctor of Ministry Degree from Virginia Union University School 
of Theology in 1992.
  In December 1986, Pastor Smith arrived in Vienna, Virginia, with his 
wife, the Reverend Dr. Mary Smith, and he assumed leadership of the 
First Baptist Church. A relatively small church at the time, the 
membership of First Baptist was fewer than 200. Under his guidance and 
stewardship, First Baptist has witnessed significant growth and now has 
more than 30 active ministries, which provide spiritual guidance for 
its members and the entire community. I have had the pleasure of 
worshipping at First Baptist Church of Vienna on many occasions, and I 
always have been moved by Pastor Smith's words of inspiration and 
faith.
  Like so many men of faith, Pastor Smith does not confine his 
dedication to within the walls of the sanctuary. He has ministered to 
the poor and disadvantaged in Nigeria, Ghana, Haiti, Coahoma, Maryland, 
South Carolina and Biloxi, Mississippi. First Baptist Church of Vienna 
contributed more than $53,000 to aid the victims of the Haitian 
earthquake and donated 1,000 bottles of multiple vitamins to aid the 
medical effort. Partnering with a sister church, Pastor Smith and the 
First Baptist Church family assisted with the finance of two Habitat 
for Humanity homes, contributing in excess of $42,000 for each home. He 
has established a Federal Credit Union with assets of more than $1 
million, which provides members with safe and fair financial services.
  Pastor Smith has long been recognized as a leader in faith and 
community service. He serves or has formerly served as president of the 
Baptist General Convention, president of the Fairfax County Branch of 
the NAACP, moderator of the NOVA Baptist Association, adjunct professor 
at Howard Divinity School and Wesley Theological Seminary, board member 
of the First Baptist Church of Vienna Federal Credit Union, board 
member of the Vienna Church Coalition for Housing, board member of 
Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia, and as a trustee of Virginia 
Union University.
  His many accolades from the community include the Omega Psi Phi 
Fraternity (Omicron Kappa Kappa) 2006 Citizen of the year award; the 
James F. Jenkins Pillars of Faith Award (2005); Outstanding Service 
Award, Fairfax County Branch, NAACP (2004); the Dean's Pastor's Award, 
Howard University School of Theology (1999); the Outstanding 
Achievement in Religion Award, Howard University Alumni Club of 
Northern Virginia (1999); the Religious Affairs Award, Fairfax County 
Branch, NAACP (1998); the Outstanding Leadership Award, Northern 
Virginia Baptist Association (1998); Community Service Award, Horizon 
Community Outreach Group (1996); the Golden Eagle Award, Fairfax County 
School System (1994); the Award of Merit presented by the Old Dominion 
Bar Association (1994); the 1992 Human Rights Award presented by the 
Fairfax County Human Rights Commission (1993); the D. B. Barton Award 
in Pastoral Theology (1987); and the Joseph H. Jackson Award (1986) for 
Academic Excellence. He also was selected for Who's Who in American 
Colleges and Universities (1986/1987).
  Pastor Smith does not only preach his faith; he lives his faith. He 
and his wife, Reverend Dr. Mary Smith, lead by example in their 
dedication to God, the community, and mankind, and I am proud to call 
them my friends.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating Rev. 
Dr. Kenny Smith on the occasion of his Silver Anniversary as Pastor of 
First Baptist Church of Vienna and in wishing him continued success.

                          ____________________