[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 142 (Friday, October 11, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1491]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF REVEREND LAWRENCE E. AKER III

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                        HON. HAKEEM S. JEFFRIES

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 11, 2013

  Mr. JEFFRIES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 
achievements of Reverend Lawrence E. Aker III. During his years of 
service, Rev. Aker has ministered to thousands and worked tirelessly to 
improve the lives of all those he encountered. In honor of his tenth 
anniversary as pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church, Rev. Aker was 
honored at a celebratory banquet on April 27, 2013 at Steiner Studios 
in Brooklyn, New York.
  In 1917, Cornerstone Baptist Church was founded in Brooklyn, NY by a 
small group of forward minded individuals. Today, it is a thriving 
church of over 1,500 members with active boards, clubs, Sunday school 
programs, and choirs. In the last decade, Cornerstone Baptist Church 
has continued to thrive under the outstanding leadership of Rev. Aker. 
In order to meet the needs of his ever-growing parishioners, an 
additional Sunday service was added. By embracing technology, Rev. Aker 
has made his church more accessible to all who are called to worship. 
During his tenure, the church underwent extensive renovation to the 
exterior of the edifice. This beautification of the church was greatly 
celebrated by the community, lifting not just the congregation but all 
those in its vicinity. As a visionary, Rev. Aker plans to continue the 
church's enhancement through the renovation of the church's gym and 
community center.
  His strong commitment to nurturing the next generation led to the 
creation of ``Friday Nite Fire,'' a weekly bible study for youth and 
young adults. He also created the Women of the World (WOW) ministry, 
which offers spiritual guidance to women. Rev. Aker's reach extends 
outside the parish: I experienced this first hand as a member of the 
Assembly when we worked together to organize a community career fair at 
Cornerstone Baptist Church.
  This past winter, I was privileged to accept the Martin Luther King, 
Jr. Award with the Reverend, given to us from the State of Israel and 
presented by Ambassador Ido Aharoni, Consul General of Israel in New 
York, for ``spreading compassion and uniting communities of all 
backgrounds.'' As a life-long parishioner of Cornerstone, I could think 
of no higher honor than to be counted among his company.
  Rev. Aker holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications from Howard 
University, a Master in Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary, a 
Master of Sacred Theology from Yale University, and is currently a 
Doctor of Philosophy candidate at Drew University.
  Rev. Aker is an inspirational leader whose work would not have been 
possible without the love and support of his wife Cynthia Aker and 
their devoted children. We thank his family for sharing him with us 
all. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues 
join me in congratulating Rev. Aker on his 10th pastoral anniversary. 
For his commitment to the people of Brooklyn, he is worthy of the 
highest praise.

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