[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 16]
[Senate]
[Page 23129]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                IN RECOGNITION OF DR. CHARLES E. THOMAS

 Mr. TORRICELLI. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Dr. 
Charles E. Thomas, pastor of New Hope Baptist Church upon the occasion 
of his retirement. During his time in the ministry, Pastor Thomas has 
shown a great commitment to both church and community.
  Under Pastor Thomas's leadership and guidance, The New Hope Baptist 
Church has accomplished a great deal and continues to grow. The New 
Hope Day Care Center has been established and the edifice of New Hope 
has been renovated and expanded, creating a beautiful church with 
seating for over 1,200. Further, numerous programs have been 
implemented to enhance the lives of The New Hope members.
  Pastor Thomas has also contributed much to the Newark community. He 
established the Minority Contractors and Craftsmans Trade Association 
and the New Hope Skills Center to enable individuals to pursue careers 
in carpentry, masonry, and machinery. In 1975, the New Hope Development 
Corporation was organized to build New Hope Village, a 170 family 
housing complex in Newark that provides affordable housing for lower 
income families.
  For over 20 years, Pastor Thomas has dedicated himself to both his 
congregation and his community. His efforts have benefitted the lives 
of countless individuals, and he is richly deserving of our thanks and 
well wishes for his retirement.

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