[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 24 (Monday, February 7, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E117]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          IN RECOGNITION OF DR. EPHRAIM WILLIAMS'S RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, February 7, 2022

  Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dr. Ephraim 
Williams on his retirement as the Senior Pastor of St. Paul Baptist 
Church. Dr. Williams has served as Senior Pastor for 49 years and his 
congregation is eternally grateful.
  Dr. Ephraim Williams was born in Summit, Mississippi. He pursued his 
education in Mississippi, Illinois, and California. He was called to 
ministry in 1964 and was ordained in 1966 by his Pastor and mentor, 
Pastor Joseph Williams. After, he enrolled in seminary and trained at 
several pristine institutions. He received his Doctor of Divinity from 
Conroe Normal and Industrial College in 1979 and an honorary Doctor of 
Humane Letters from California State University, Sacramento in 2017.
  Dr. Williams leads one of the largest congregations in Sacramento and 
has been instrumental in the church's growth in members, in programs 
and in facilities. His leadership and impact are not limited to the 
church, but also are to be found in the greater community. He has 
provided pivotal leadership in revitalizing Oak Park, establishing 
supportive programs, and feeding hundreds of people each year. 
Additionally, Dr. Williams has served on the boards of numerous 
programs dedicated to the wellbeing of Sacramento residents and has 
been a leader with various religious organizations.
  All of Dr. Williams efforts have not gone unnoticed. He has received 
numerous awards and accolades from national and local leaders. He has 
been invited to the White House by two former presidents, President 
William Clinton and President Barack Obama.
  Dr. Williams' wife of 55 years, Carrie Sue Martin-Williams, passed on 
May 6, 2009. They are the parents of two children, Gwen and Ephraim 
``Butch,'' Jr.; four grandchildren, Nikiya, Tairena, Tenaya (deceased) 
and Marshall; and ten great-grandchildren.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 
legacy of we Dr. Williams for his service on behalf of his congregation 
and the Sacramento region.

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