[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18965]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



   TRIBUTE TO REVEREND WILLIAM D. WATLEY, PH.D. ON HIS 17TH PASTORAL 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 4, 2001

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask my colleagues here in the 
U.S. House of Representatives to join me in paying tribute to Reverend 
William D. Watley and his family as he celebrates his 17th anniversary 
as Pastor of Saint James African Methodist Episcopal Church in Newark, 
New Jersey.
  Reverend Watley has been an active and involved leader, implementing 
a number of innovative programs, including a successful effort to feed 
over one thousand people weekly. He also established the 
Intergenerational After-School Program and sponsors Alcoholics 
Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and an HIV AIDS Ministry that educates 
the community about the disease.
  A former president of Paul Quinn College in Waco, Texas, Dr. Watley 
initiated the Adult Basic Educational Program, the St. James Bible 
Institute, The Christian Learning Center, New Life Ministries, 
Community Bible Study, Men and Women's Bible Studies and the Pastor's 
Bible Study. His fourteen year quest to build St. James Preparatory 
School, a Christian Academy, came to fruition a few years ago.
  St. James is world renowned for its Wednesday ``Sweet Hour of 
Praise'' Service, which I have had the privilege of attending many 
times. The service in its eleventh year has grown from one worshipper 
to hundreds.
  Dr. Watley serves as chairman of the St. James Preparatory School: A 
Christian Academy, St. James Social Services, and St. James Credit 
Union. He serves on the boards of the New Jersey Housing Mortgage 
Finance Agency, Horizon Mercy, Boys and Girls Clubs of Newark, United 
Movie Corporation, the World Council of Churches, National Council of 
Churches, African Methodist Episcopal Church First District and Beth 
Israel Medical Center.
  He has authored several books and articles and is currently writing a 
book. He has a long and distinguished record in the areas of education, 
pastoral practice and youth services. Dr. Watley holds both the Doctor 
of Philosophy and Masters of Philosophy degrees from Columbia 
University in Ethics and Theology respectively. His B.A. degree is from 
Saint Louis University. He has also completed the Institute for 
Educational Management Program at Harvard University.
  Dr. Watley is married to Muriel Watley and they are the proud parents 
of two children and a granddaughter.
  Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues join me in extending our very best 
wishes to Dr. Watley and his family as they continue their dedicated 
service to the church and the community.

                          ____________________