[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 11095]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING PASTOR T.R. WILLIAMS, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN BENTSEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 21, 2002

  Mr. BENTSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Reverend Theodore 
Roosevelt (T.R.) Williams, Sr., on his 25 years of exceptional service 
to the New Faith Church located at 4315 West Fuqua Street, Houston, 
Texas. On June 23, 2002, Reverend Williams will be joined by his 
family, friends, and the congregation of New Faith Church to celebrate 
his 25th anniversary.
  Born in Alexandria, Louisiana on July 26, 1945, Theodore Roosevelt 
Williams was one of five children born to Nathaniel and Violet 
Williams. The Williams' established an extraordinary foundation for 
their children centered around developing their faith in God. Reverend 
Williams often recalls how his parents would awaken him along with his 
brothers and sisters on Sunday morning for family prayer and fondly 
speaks of his parents' willingness to sacrifice their desires to ensure 
that their children's needs were met.
  After receiving his degree from Southern University in 1966, Rev. 
Williams soon found himself being called to the ministry. On December 
2, 1966, he preached his first sermon at Greater Saint Lawrence 
Missionary Baptist Church. Reverend Williams accepted his first 
pastoral position at Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church in rural 
Louisiana in 1968 and his second at Loyal Baptist Church beginning in 
1972 and resigned in 1977. After his resignation, Reverend Williams 
organized New Faith Church on February 27, 1977, where he currently 
presides as Senior Pastor.
  Since its inception, New Faith's priorities have been in accord with 
God's directives, and have made tremendous strides in the efforts to 
improve the quality of life in the Houston area. Under the leadership 
of Reverend Williams, the congregation has grown to more than 3,000 
members with facilities on more than ten acres of property. Throughout 
his tenure as senior pastor, Reverend Williams, has a number of 
accomplishments that highlight his commitment and dedication to serving 
God, his congregation and the Houston community. Some of his many 
achievements include, the development of the ministerial staff concept, 
the Family Life Center, the Crisis Counseling Center, and the Violet P. 
Williams Educational Building. Reverend Williams has implemented more 
than twenty-five ministries and provides leadership to a number of 
dedicated and talented staffers.
  Mr. Speaker, throughout his 34 years in the ministry, Reverend 
Williams' intelligence, enthusiasm, and integrity has served his 
congregations well. He brings a tireless energy, an unflagging drive, 
and an unparalleled passion to each of his endeavors, whether it's as a 
Pastor, a civic leader, or friend. His tremendous strength over the 
years is a testimony to the success of his efforts to address the needs 
of his congregations and community.

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