[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 208 (Thursday, December 2, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1305]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF PASTOR BYRON JONES

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LANCE GOODEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 2, 2021

  Mr. GOODEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Pastor 
Byron (Boonie) Jones of First Baptist Church in Gun Barrel City, Texas, 
on his retirement. During his thirty-five years of service, Byron has 
been a stalwart of the community, always putting others' needs before 
his own.
  Byron first joined the Ministry in 1979 at Eastside Baptist Church in 
Rusk, Texas and served on staff for three years before joining as Youth 
Minister at First Baptist Church, Gresham. In 1985, the First Baptist 
Church Gun Barrel City was fortunate to have Byron join as Pastor. When 
Byron first came to Gun Barrel City, the church was meeting in a city 
council meeting room until they were able to build a house of worship. 
Now, the First Baptist Church in Gun Barrel City, Texas, is one of the 
largest churches in Henderson County.
  After 35 years of service, Pastor Byron Jones more than deserves a 
peaceful retirement, and I wish him the best.
  I commend Pastor Byron Jones for his dedication to serving the people 
of Texas, and I know the First Baptist Church in Gun Barrel City will 
be sad to see him go.

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