[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 88 (Monday, June 9, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E921]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 ON THE OCCASION OF THE TWENTY-FIFTH PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY OF REVEREND 
           DOUGLAS JONES AT WELCOME MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. GARY C. PETERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, June 9, 2014

  Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
Reverend Douglas Jones of Welcome Missionary Baptist Church in Pontiac, 
Michigan, as the congregation and the broader community celebrate his 
Twenty-fifth Pastoral Anniversary.
  Throughout his tenure as the spiritual leader of the congregation at 
Welcome, Reverend Jones has approached his responsibilities with 
thoughtfulness and resolve for all of his congregation's members. From 
the very beginning of his tenure in 1989, Reverend Jones has focused on 
his congregation's future and in one of his first acts, took steps that 
allowed the church members to pay off Welcome's mortgage within his 
first three years. He also been keenly focused on the needs of 
Welcome's younger members and has established a number of ministries 
centered on catering to their needs. Furthermore, he has given special 
attention to members of his congregation facing moments of crisis in 
their lives--creating ministries that assist members with health and 
family emergencies.
  The results of Reverend Jones' dedication are witnessed in the 
spiritual prosperity of the congregation at Welcome, which has grown 
both in membership from several hundred to more than four thousand, and 
in the deepening connection of its members to their faith.
  In addition to the remarkable impact Reverend Jones has made at 
Welcome, he has engaged in endeavors that have affected the entire 
Pontiac community. As the founder of the Greater Pontiac Community 
Coalition, Reverend Jones brought together stakeholders from across the 
different sectors of Pontiac to make positive changes in their 
community. Additionally, Reverend Jones is active in many other 
community organizations in Pontiac and beyond, including Pontiac Youth 
Assistance and Pontiac's Committee of 50, a gathering of community 
decision-makers that drives philanthropic efforts within the city. 
Reverend Jones' work also includes the establishment of a scholarship 
fund to help youth realize their dreams of higher education and 
programs that support youth during their primary education.
  Because of Reverend Jones' leadership and endeavors at Welcome 
Missionary Baptist Church and within the Pontiac community, many 
residents have received support at critical moments in their lives and 
have seen the bonds within their neighborhoods strengthened. I know the 
congregation at Welcome must be proud of all Pastor Jones' 
accomplishments over his twenty-five year tenure as their spiritual 
leader. I am grateful for Reverend Jones' friendship and his leadership 
on many issues of importance to the Pontiac community and the Greater 
Detroit region. I wish Reverend Jones, First Lady JoAnn and their 
family continued happiness and success as they continue to serve their 
neighbors in Pontiac and the Greater Detroit community.

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