[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5936]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  TRIBUTE TO BISHOP BILLY BASKIN--PASTOR, TEACHER AND COMMUNITY LEADER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. KENDRICK B. MEEK

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 6, 2005

  Mr. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise 
to pay tribute to Bishop Billy Baskin, one of the preeminent religious 
leaders of our community. On Sunday, April 10, 2005 beginning at 7 
p.m., he will be honored at Miami's New Birth Baptist Church Cathedral 
of Faith International during a special appreciation service defined by 
the theme: ``Adding Years to Your Life--Adding Life to Your Years.'' 
Bishop Victor T. Curry, the Pastor of New Birth Church Cathedral, will 
lead other members of Miami's clergy and countless admirers throughout 
Miami-Dade County, in lauding this honoree portrayed as The Man, The 
Mandate and the Ministry.
  Having founded Miami's New Way Fellowship Praise & Worship Center in 
1975, Bishop Baskin truly evokes the genuine leadership of a Good 
Shepherd who attends to his flock in many ways, and the whole week 
long. As pastor and teacher, he exudes the knowledge and caring of a 
religious visionary who goes about empowering his congregation with his 
sermons. He has been a source of inspiration and a mentor to a host of 
other religious leaders who are now leading other congregations 
throughout South Florida and beyond.
  Throughout the longevity of his pastorate, he has truly persevered in 
showing us the Way, the Truth and the Life that only his knowledge and 
experience could expound. As he continues to be involved with our 
faith-community, Bishop Baskin is never oblivious of the needs and 
concerns of others, particularly the less fortunate among us. It is his 
tireless consecration to his ministry that defines the measure of his 
consummate commitment to serve ``. . . the least of these.''
  His timely and resilient leadership at the New Way Fellowship Praise 
& Worship Center for some thirty years is genuinely commendable. As a 
respected community leader, he has indeed earned our deepest respects 
and utmost admiration.
  This is the legacy of Bishop Billy Baskin. I am truly privileged in 
thanking him for his many years of service. My honor in sharing his 
friendship is only exceeded by my gratitude for everything that has 
sacrificed on our community's behalf as he continues to teach us to 
live by the noble ethic of serving the community.

                          ____________________