[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 19416]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              A TRIBUTE TO THE REV. DR. MARVIN J. BENTLEY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSEPH CROWLEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 29, 2005

  Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Rev. Dr. Marvin 
J. Bentley, a model community leader.
  Rev. Bentley was born in Brooklyn, New York. He received his basic 
religious training at the Cornerstone Baptist Church, and under the 
tutelage of the late Dr. Sandy F. Ray was licensed to preach the Gospel 
by the Cornerstone Baptist Church, Brooklyn, New York.
  Dr. Bentley was educated within the New York City public school 
system; he attained his Bachelor of Science degree from the State 
University of New York at Stonybrook, majoring in health science and 
social welfare. He obtained his seminary education at Union Theological 
Seminary, NYC, securing a Master in Divinity Degree. Drew University, 
Madison, NJ conferred his Doctor of Ministry Degree upon him, and he 
recently received an Associates Degree from Nassau Community College, 
L.I., N.Y., in Applied Sciences (Mortuary Science).
  Dr. Bentley was ordained at the Abyssinian Baptist Church, New York, 
where he served as the Assistant Minister under the mentorship of Dr. 
Samuel D. Proctor, and Dr. Calvin Butts III.
  Dr. Bentley is active in many civic and community activities. He 
serves on numerous boards and committees and is the former president of 
American Baptist Churches of Metro New York. He is a former Naval 
Chaplain in the United States Naval Reserves. He has served as 
President and Vice-President of Community School Board 30, former 
member of Community Board 3, and past president of the Corona-East 
Elmhurst Clergy Association. Dr. Bentley has received many civic and 
religious awards and honors.
  As pastor, Dr. Bentley has been serving the Antioch Baptist Church of 
Corona for 24 years, enjoying a blessed ministry. During his tenure at 
the church, it has relocated into a beautiful, gothic style new church 
home on the comer of Northern Blvd and 103rd in Corona, Queens, New 
York. It has grown to numerous ministries that include male and female 
``Rights of Passage'' ministries (GEM and GAAYAW), The Antioch Bible 
Institute, Christian Bookstore, Video Ministry, Credit Union and 
Athletic Ministry.
  In addition to the aforementioned ministries, under Pastor Bentley's 
leadership, the Antioch Baptist Church of Corona has embarked upon a 
ministry to liquidate the credit card debt of their congregation. This 
ministry has caused the congregation to take a look at their finances, 
spending, and saving habits.

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