[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 207 (Friday, December 15, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1240-E1241]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING REVEREND DOCTOR LUKE TORIAN

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. ABIGAIL DAVIS SPANBERGER

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 15, 2023

  Ms. SPANBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate and honor the Rev. 
Dr. Luke Torian on his 35-year career in ministry. Dr. Torian has 
dedicated his life to serving and ministering to others through his 
work in the church, in the community, and in Virginia's House of 
Delegates.
  A strong believer in the power of education, Dr. Torian graduated 
with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Winston-Salem State University, 
followed by a Master of Divinity degree from the School of Theology at 
Virginia Union University, and finally a Doctor of Ministry degree from 
the School of Divinity at Howard University.
  Throughout his career, Dr. Torian has served in many roles including 
youth minister, associate pastor, and chaplain. In 1995, he was 
installed as Pastor of Mount Zion Baptist Church in Dumfries, where he 
has led a vibrant congregation of more than 4,000 people. He has been a 
fixture of the community, providing his congregation with support, 
kindness, and fellowship. Dr. Torian has built a church community that 
ministers to its congregants through Sunday services, Bible studies, 
social activities, music and arts, scholarship opportunities, and more.
  Dr. Torian's outstanding leadership has been recognized by many over 
the years. He was awarded the James Floyd Jenkins Pillar of Faith Award 
by Howard University, a reflection of his dedication to his work and 
his positive contributions to his community. As a trusted source of 
knowledge and service, his impact has extended past Prince William 
County--first with his appointment to the Virginia Board of Counseling 
by Virginia Governor Mark Warner, and later with his 2009 election to 
represent the 52nd District in the Virginia House of Delegates.
  As a Delegate, Dr. Torian has served his constituents faithfully, 
advocating to improve education and criminal justice policies in the 
Commonwealth. In 2020, he was chosen to chair the Virginia House 
Appropriations Committee--a historic appointment that made him the 
first African American in Virginia's history to lead the Committee, and 
a role he will resume in 2024 as he continues his legislative service.
  As we look back on his career in the church, Dr. Torian has been a 
tremendous leader in his community, providing exceptional service and 
ministry to those in Prince William County and beyond. I am certain 
that his next chapter will also be guided by his love for service, love 
for learning, and his faith.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating and 
thanking Rev. Dr. Luke Torian, I wish him, his beloved wife Clarice and 
their daughter Constance, the very best as they prepare for the next 
step in his career.

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