[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 185 (Wednesday, November 8, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1076]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE 40TH PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY OF BISHOP DONALD HILLIARD, 
                                  JR.

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                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 8, 2023

  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with the congregation 
of Cathedral International in honoring Bishop Donald Hilliard, Jr. on 
his 40th Pastoral Anniversary. Bishop Hilliard's dedication to faith 
and community are truly deserving of this body's recognition.
  As Senior Pastor of Cathedral International, Dr. Hilliard has ushered 
immense expansion of the church. When Dr. Hilliard became Senior Pastor 
at the age of 26, there were 125 congregants; today membership has 
grown to 10,000 and serves the communities of Perth Amboy, Asbury Park, 
and Plainfield. His vision to embrace technology and add streaming 
capabilities to the church not only allows the church to reach those 
who are unable to worship in person, but also served the full 
congregation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  Throughout his tenure, Dr. Hilliard has encouraged his congregants to 
practice faith in action, serving the needs of people through several 
worship and outreach ministries. Likewise, the Cathedral Community 
Development Corporation that Dr. Hilliard founded provides support and 
services to uplift the local community. His leadership has fostered 
greater spirituality, fellowship, and community involvement of diverse 
populations.
  His contributions to the community have been recognized with several 
awards and board positions, including the Drew University Martin Luther 
King, Jr. Humanitarian Award, the National Conference for Community and 
Justice Humanitarian Award, and the Perth Amboy Chamber of Commerce 
Executive of the Year Award. Additionally, he is a lifetime member of 
the NAACP.
  Mr. Speaker, I sincerely hope my colleagues will join me in 
congratulating Bishop Donald Hilliard, Jr. on his 40th Pastoral 
Anniversary. Dr. Hilliard continues to provide outstanding spiritual 
leadership to the Perth Amboy, Asbury Park, and Plainfield communities 
and his service is to be celebrated.

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