[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 131 (Monday, September 15, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1400]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING JERRY YOUNG

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 15, 2014

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Reverend Jerry Young, who has been selected as President of the 
National Baptist Convention.
  Rev. Jerry Young was born in Scott, Mississippi to Reverend E.L. and 
Elizabeth Young. He was raised in the Mississippi Delta in the heart of 
the Civil Rights Era, enduring the pains and struggles of several 
disappointments, and beating the odds of his predetermined failures. 
Throughout his life, it became increasingly clear why God called Pastor 
Young to the ministry at the young age of seventeen. Young's service 
began at Mt. Tennia Baptist Church in Lamont, Mississippi and led to 
him serving as pastor of St. John and Pilgrim Rest Baptist Churches, 
both in Greenville, Mississippi.
  Young has faithfully led the congregation of New Hope Baptist Church 
since 1980. He is the founder and headmaster of New Hope Christian Pre-
School and New Hope Christian Elementary School, serving over 300 
students.
  Pastor Young attended Nugent Center High School in Bolivar County, 
Mississippi and went on to attain an Associate of Arts in Social 
Science from Coahoma Junior College in Clarksdale, Mississippi. He 
received a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and Social Welfare from 
Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi, where he met and married 
the love of his life, Mrs. Helen Akins Young. With her support and 
encouragement, Pastor Young has earned a Master of Divinity and a 
Doctor of Ministry from Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, 
Mississippi.
  Instilling the values of faith, education, and love, they are the 
proud parents of two daughters, Dr. Jerlen Nelson and Kelli Elizabeth 
Hart. Adding to their life's joy are their two adorable granddaughters, 
one grandson, and one step-grandson.
  Dr. Young makes history as the first Mississippi pastor chosen to 
lead the National Baptist Convention. He was elected amongst five 
candidates nominated for the seat.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Pastor 
Jerry Young.

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