[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 19]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 26693]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  A TRIBUTE TO REV. ROBERT M. WATERMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 29, 2003

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Rev. Robert M. Waterman 
for his devout commitment to his congregation and dedication to his 
community.
  Rev. Robert M. Waterman, the son of a Pentecostal preacher, was born 
in Brooklyn, New York. As a young man, he was reared in Hemingway, 
South Carolina, and steeped in both the Pentecostal and Baptist 
traditions.
  In 1985, he was licensed to preach by Abundant Life Tabernacle. Rev. 
Waterman also served as the Associate Pastor and Youth Pastor at Union 
Baptist Church in White Plains, New York under the pastoral guidance of 
Reverends Robert L. Mason and Verlin D. Williams. He began his work at 
Antioch on November 4, 2001, and was officially installed as the 
church's reverend in May of 2003. During this time, Reverend Waterman 
graduated from the New York Theological Seminary with a Master of 
Divinity.
  Rev. Waterman has brought many talents to Antioch including a 
youthful exuberance, a commitment to getting the job done, and a quiet 
yet ebullient spirituality. With his leadership, new seats and carpet 
have been installed in the balcony, an after school homework program 
was created, the Wednesday night bible study was revived, and a large 
influx of new worshippers have come to the church. Since his 
installation, Reverend Waterman has worked closely with the youth 
ministry, forming Teens United for Fellowship (TUFF). He has also 
established leadership classes and retreats, reinstituted the Christian 
education department, spearheaded the purchase of a state-of-the-art 
sound system in the sanctuary, and revived the Antioch Community 
Service program for youth and seniors. He has also been instrumental in 
the building fund for the elevator project.
  Spiritually, Reverend Waterman is known as ``The Preacher of 
Thunder'' as he encourages his congregation to know God so that hearts, 
and thereby lives, can be changed. His commitment to Antioch is 
demonstrated by his relocation to the Bedford-Stuyvesant community.
  As Antioch Baptist Church celebrates its 85th anniversary, the church 
is stronger than ever with the guidance and leadership of Reverend 
Waterman.
  Mr. Speaker, in a short time, Rev. Robert M. Waterman has already 
made a positive difference in the lives of the Antioch Baptist Church 
congregation and the Bedford-Stuyvesant community. As such, he is more 
than worthy of receiving our recognition. I hope that all of my 
colleagues will join me in honoring this truly remarkable individual.

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