[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 147 (Friday, September 20, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E935]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  COMMEMORATING THE 5TH ANNIVERSARY OF REV. DR. PAUL SHEPPARD, SENIOR 
              PASTOR OF FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF MERRIFIELD

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                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 20, 2024

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Reverend Dr. Paul 
Anthony Sheppard, a native of Fairfax County, Virginia, who possesses a 
God-given desire to serve people. He describes himself as ``a humble 
and committed soldier on the battlefield of life trying to destroy the 
vicious armies of Satan.'' He attended Howard University, where he 
received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology and Sociology in 
1991.
  Pastor Sheppard was licensed to preach the Gospel on March 21, 1993, 
and was ordained on December 10, 2000, at the Mt. Pleasant Baptist 
Church in Alexandria, Virginia. He earned his Master of Theology Degree 
from Wilbur H. Waters School of Religion and Theological Seminary in 
2003.
  In April 2017, Pastor Sheppard received an honorary Doctor of 
Divinity Degree from St. Thomas Christian University in Jacksonville, 
Florida for his committed service in the community and abroad, and for 
his preaching ministry.
  Pastor Sheppard aims to help people apply timeless truths of 
Scripture to their everyday lives. He formerly served as a certified 
instructor and advisor teaching Ministerial Counseling and Psychology 
of Religion. He was inducted into the Savannah State University 
Foundation Hall of Fame for his community activism and service. He is 
especially passionate about youth and elders. He feels: ``When you 
bridge the gap between the two groups, you can create a very powerful 
society with the youth absorbing much wisdom and knowledge.''
  Rev. Sheppard has been extremely active in civic and community 
organizations serving on numerous civic and non-profit advisory boards 
in the Savannah and Chatham County areas. He was a member of the 
Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance (I.M.A.), partnering with 
several organizations to bring about educational and economic 
empowerment. Rev. Sheppard also served as President of the Georgia 
Fellowship of Churches through the National Baptist Convention of 
America, International, Inc.
  Throughout his ministry he has participated in symposiums discussing 
social issues, economic development, and religious thought concerning 
the contemporary church in the 21st century. He also worked with the 
Governor of Virginia where he spearheaded the Voting Restoration Rights 
for felons through the Peninsula Baptist Pastor's Council.
  Pastor Sheppard has established numerous ministries that have 
transformed congregations and communities throughout the Mid-Atlantic 
and Southeast. In 2019, after much prayer and fasting, Pastor 
Sheppard's path guided him to lead the First Baptist Church of 
Merrifield in Falls Church, Virginia.
  He currently serves as the 3rd Vice Moderator of the Northern 
Virginia Baptist Association and is extremely active in civic 
organizations that uplift multi-generational interests in topics such 
as media, politics, and education. In February 2024, he traveled with a 
missionary group serving an orphanage and community in South Africa.
  He is married to the former Esther Morris whom he cherishes dearly. 
Out of this beautiful union, they are blessed with one son, Justin 
Gregory Milton Sheppard. Pastor Sheppard's favorite Bible verse: ``I 
can do all things through Christ which strengthened me''--Philippians 
4:13.
  Mr Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring Dr. Sheppard 
for his tremendous efforts as a leader in our communities, as he 
celebrates his 5th Anniversary as Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church 
of Merrifield.

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