[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 18 (Friday, January 28, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E78]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF PASTOR LEON JONES

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                            HON. JEFF DUNCAN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 28, 2022

  Mr. DUNCAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a great friend, 
Pastor Leon Jones of First Baptist Church of Ware Shoals in Ware 
Shoals, SC, on his retirement. During his nearly twenty-five years of 
service, Pastor Jones has been a spiritual leader of the community and 
continues to put others before himself.
  Ware Shoals First Baptist Church was founded in 1908 and has seen 
sixteen pastors in its time. Pastor Jones will retire as the longest 
serving pastor of the church, with nearly twenty-five years of service 
to the church and the community. His ministry came to Ware Shoals First 
Baptist Church in 1997, and I, along with many others in the Third 
District of South Carolina, have been personally impacted by his 
message of faith.
  When I think of Pastor Jones, I am reminded of Jeremiah 3:15: ``Then 
I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with 
knowledge and understanding.'' Pastor Jones is a shepherd and teacher 
in his community, and his compassion and love for others has been 
exemplified through his service to Ware Shoals First Baptist Church.
  After his retirement, Pastor Jones will settle in Elgin, SC, with his 
wife. There is no doubt in my mind that he will continue to be a leader 
in ministry and change the lives of everyone he meets. His 
unconditional love for others reflects the Lord in every way. I am 
grateful to call Pastor Jones my friend and to have attended First 
Baptist Church of Ware Shoals while he served.
  Madam Speaker, it is an honor to serve the Third District of South 
Carolina and to honor those, like Pastor Jones, who have made an 
immeasurable impact on communities, like Ware Shoals, SC, in faith.

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