[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 147 (Friday, November 16, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1784]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING BISHOP GEORGE W. BROOKS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MELVIN L. WATT

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 16, 2012

  Mr. WATT. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize a friend, supporter, 
mentor and trusted advisor to me, both spiritually and politically, 
Bishop George Wilbert Brooks. After 37 years of service, Bishop Brooks 
will retire as Senior Pastor of Mount Zion Baptist Church in 
Greensboro, North Carolina on December 31, 2012.
  A native of Hillsborough, North Carolina, Bishop Brooks moved to 
Greensboro to attend North Carolina A&T State University where he 
earned his Bachelor's degree in Industrial Technology. He received a 
Master of Divinity degree from Shaw University in Raleigh and a 
Doctorate of Ministry degree from Friends International Christian 
University in Merced, California. After being licensed to preach the 
gospel in March 1975, Bishop Brooks moved back to Greensboro to begin 
his service as Pastor of Mount Zion Baptist Church.
  Since accepting the call to lead Mount Zion Baptist Church, Bishop 
Brooks has set an example for community and civic leadership and 
involvement that others can only aspire to match. In addition to his 
important religious role as the leader of a dynamic congregation, he is 
recognized as a leader in community based self-sufficiency initiatives. 
He also serves on numerous local, national and international boards and 
has been named among the ``Most Influential Persons in the Triad'' by 
The Triad Business Journal each year since 2005.
  In addition to his church and community involvement he is a devoted 
husband of 44 years to Edna Brooks, father of two children and 
grandfather of five grandchildren.
  Bishop Brooks' service to Mount Zion Baptist Church and the 
Greensboro community is unmatched. He has been a leader and a real 
inspiration to countless others in word and deed and in other ways that 
we can only imagine. As I often tell people, he is a ``one-of-a-kind 
guy''.
  Mr. Speaker, I'm sure my colleagues will join me in wishing Bishop 
George W. Brooks the very best in retirement, although I'm not about to 
let him retire from the roles he plays in my life as friend, advisor 
and mentor. I thank him for all he has done for me and for our 
community.

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