[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 92 (Wednesday, June 10, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E870]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING DR. LUKE TORIAN ON THE OCCASION OF HIS 20TH PASTORAL 
       ANNIVERSARY AT FIRST MOUNT ZION BAPTIST CHURCH OF DUMFRIES

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                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 10, 2015

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize my dear friend, the 
Reverend Dr. Luke E. Torian, on the occasion of his 20th Pastoral 
Anniversary at First Mount Zion Baptist Church of Dumfries, Virginia.
   First Mount Zion Baptist Church has a long, prosperous history 
starting with its founding in 1867, which now continues under the 
tutelage of Dr. Torian, who became its first and only full time pastor 
in 1995. Since his installation, Dr. Torian has served an instrumental 
role in the growth of the church. More than 4,000 now call First Mount 
Zion Baptist Church their religious and spiritual home and 
approximately 70 different ministries now serve the needs of the 
congregation and community.
   Not only has Dr. Torian served his congregation, but he also has 
dedicated his time to serve the community at large. He is currently a 
member of the Prince William County Ministerial Association. He has 
served on the Cardinal Bank Advisory Board; the Board of Directors of 
the Baptist General Convention, and is a member of Omega Psi Phi 
Fraternity, Inc. In June 2004, former Governor Mark Warner appointed 
Dr. Torian to the Virginia Board of Counseling. He also served on the 
ACTS Board of Directors for three years. In addition, in 2009 he was 
elected to the Virginia House of Delegates, representing the 52nd 
District.
   Dr. Torian's dedication to his faith and his congregation, combined 
with his exceptional leadership abilities have been recognized by 
others. In 2002, Howard University presented him with the James Floyd 
Jenkins Pillar of Faith Award in recognition of the outstanding 
contributions that he has made to his church and the community. In the 
fall of 2003 and 2004, Dr. John Maxwell, renowned expert in leadership 
development, selected Dr. Torian as one of 50 leaders from across the 
country to participate in a special leadership institute in Atlanta.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask that my Colleagues join me in recognizing Dr. 
Luke E. Torian and the First Mount Zion Baptist Church congregation as 
they celebrate this significant milestone in their history and in 
wishing them continued success and prosperity.

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