[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 86 (Friday, June 8, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1033]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF ST. PAUL MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH AND DR. EPHRAIM 
                                WILLIAMS

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                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, June 8, 2012

  Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of St. Paul 
Missionary Baptist Church and Dr. Ephraim Williams, who has been its 
Pastor for 41 years. As church members gather together to celebrate the 
completion of mortgage payments on the church's Family Life Center and 
the leadership of Dr. Williams, I ask all my colleagues to join me in 
honoring St. Paul's important role in the Oak Park neighborhood and the 
larger Sacramento community.
  Since 1971, St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church has been a valuable 
community resource. Its congregation has grown 50-fold since its 
founding, and now has over 5,000 members. It has provided healthcare, 
tutoring, and employment assistance, facilitated charity in the 
community, established mentorship programs for local youth, and much 
more. St. Paul's dedication and service to its community has been 
nothing short of exemplary.
  This month, Dr. Williams will welcome congregation and community 
members in celebrating the completion of mortgage payments on the 
Family Life Center, a community center promoting active, healthy, and 
community-centric lifestyles. The facility includes classrooms, space 
for childcare and the arts, and hosts many community events. I am 
confident that the Family Life Center will continue to be a shared 
treasure of the Sacramento area.
  Dr. Williams' work in the community has earned him many awards and a 
great deal of recognition, from the California Legislature, the City of 
Sacramento, the Black American Political Association, and others. In 
2011 he was awarded the Key to the City by the Mayor of Sacramento in 
recognition of his service as pastor. His leadership has made the St. 
Paul Missionary Baptist Church a staple in the City of Sacramento.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to St. Paul Missionary 
Baptist Church and Dr. Ephraim Williams, as they celebrate their 41st 
year as a congregation and the completion of mortgage payments on the 
Family Life Center. I am confident that this church will continue its 
service to the Sacramento community under his stellar leadership. I ask 
all my colleagues to join me in honoring St. Paul Missionary Baptist 
Church's outstanding work in providing the community with invaluable 
services.

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