[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 26357]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                    HONORING REV. GUSTA BOOKER, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN BENTSEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 20, 1999

  Mr. BENTSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Rev. Gusta Booker, Jr. 
for his 31 years of service at Greater St. Matthew Baptist Church of 
Houston.
  For more than 3 decades, Reverend Booker has addressed the needs of 
the Greater St. Matthew Baptist Church's congregation. In celebration 
of the church's 31st Anniversary, the congregation held a ``Celebration 
of Love Service'' this month followed by ``A Love Fellowship 
Reception.'' The growth and success that Greater St. Matthew has 
experienced under Reverend Booker's leadership reveals a Pastor who is 
truly connected to his community.
  Reverend Booker is the youngest of nine born to the late Reverend 
Gusta Booker, Sr. and the late Mrs. Gussie Booker in Columbus, Texas. 
Reverend Booker married Theola Massie in 1964, and they are the 
affectionate parents of three children, Ronald, Gusta III, and Alita 
Corine; two daughters-in-law, Valree Booker and Nicole Booker; two 
grandsons Ronald, Jr. and Joshua; and one granddaughter, Peyton Nicole.
  Pastor Booker was called to the ministry in 1967, and later founded 
Greater St. Matthew ``Southest'' located at 7701 Jutland Street. In 
1994 he founded Greater St. Matthew ``Southwest'' at 14919 South Main 
Street, giving rise to the congregation's concept ``One Church in Two 
Locations.'' In 1995, the Lindler-Booker Family Life Center was 
constructed.
  Reverend Booker shares his insight and experiences with those who 
seek knowledge and guidance. He has published two books: After the 
Honeymoon and Living Beyond the Pain. His television and radio 
ministries can be seen and heard in Houston, Beaumont, and Austin.
  While Reverend Booker's religious and spiritual obligations to his 
growing congregation have always been paramount, as a community leader, 
he has shared his faith and free time as Founder and First Moderator of 
the Gulf Coast Baptist Association, past President of Central State 
Convention of Texas, and past Chairman of the Christian Education Board 
of the National Baptist Convention of America.
  Mr. Speaker, throughout his 31 years as Pastor at Greater St. 
Matthew, Reverend Booker's intelligence, enthusiasm, and integrity has 
served his congregations well. He brings tireless energy and compassion 
to each of his endeavors, whether it's as a Pastor, community leader, 
or friend. His contributions to the ministry and his energy in 
addressing the needs of his congregation and surrounding community are 
truly commendable.

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