[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 92 (Thursday, May 26, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2749-S2750]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         50TH PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY OF REV. DR. CALVIN McKINNEY

 Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. President, today I rise to recognize and 
congratulate my friend the Reverend Dr. Calvin McKinney on his 50th 
pastoral anniversary. Pastor McKinney has served as pastor of Calvary 
Baptist Church of North Jersey since 1972.
  Pastor McKinney's ministry is guided by Teaching and Growing a 
Praying People of God, whether at home in New Jersey, across our 
Nation, or around the world. His ministry has taken him throughout 
Africa, Europe, Asia, Central America, and the Caribbean Islands. Of 
his many accomplishments, Pastor McKinney's most memorable preaching 
opportunity was during the centennial session of the National Baptist 
Convention, U.S.A., Inc., in Birmingham, AL, in 1980.
  In September 2009, Pastor McKinney was elected general secretary of 
the National Baptist Convention, U.S.A., Inc. He served as the youngest 
moderator in the history of the North Jersey District Missionary 
Baptist Association from 1986 to 1990, and served from 1996 through 
2000 in an unprecedented tenure as one of the youngest presidents in 
the history of the 300,000-member General Baptist Convention of New 
Jersey, Inc. He was named president emeritus in recognition of his 
exemplary leadership.
  In 2003, under the visionary leadership of Pastor McKinney, Calvary 
started on a journey to build a $10 million, 1,500-seat sanctuary along 
with

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educational, fellowship, and administrative facilities. On March 19, 
2006, the congregation of Calvary moved into their new home.
  Pastor McKinney's extraordinary pastoral leadership is matched by his 
extraordinary role as a community leader. For 50 years, he has touched 
the lives of countless people and communities. In addition to lifting 
and guiding their spiritual formation, he has met the needs of his 
local community through the Calvary Community Development Center, CCDC. 
Since 1998, CCDC has empowered people and the community in order to 
knock down economic and social barriers. It is a resource for those who 
are need of food, clothing, and emergency assistance.
  Pastor McKinney finds time to serve in a multitude of ways. He 
presently serves as chair of the Commission on Faith-Based Initiatives 
for the State of New Jersey. He serves as chairman of the Board of 
Trustees of the U.C.C. Day Care Center No. 100; trustee, Passaic County 
Community College; a board member of the Bergen County Urban League, 
NJ; an executive board member of the Garfield/Lodi Branch of the NAACP, 
NJ; and a member of Mt. Zion Lodge No. 50, F. & A.M. (PHA) of 
Hackensack, NJ.
  Pastor McKinney is the embodiment of a spirit-filled and joyful life. 
His greatest joy comes from his beautiful family. He and his wife 
Brendalyn are the proud parents of three children: Terence Lamar, Gina 
Lynelle, and Calvin James; and the proud grandparents of Terence 
Laquan, Timothy Lamar, and Mason James.
  In the Book of Matthew 5:16 we are taught, ``In the same way, let 
your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and 
glorify your Father in heaven.'' For 50 years, Pastor McKinney has been 
more than just a shining light; he is truly a beacon of faith, hope, 
and love. His ministry blesses us all.

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