[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 3]
[House]
[Page 2943]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  WELCOMING THE REVEREND RICKY ATKINS

  (Ms. FOXX asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor and privilege to introduce our 
guest chaplain, Reverend Richard ``Ricky'' Atkins, the head pastor of 
Courtney Baptist Church in Yadkinville, North Carolina, in the Fifth 
District.
  Reverend Atkins is a vital part of the religious community in 
northwest North Carolina's rural mountain region. Prior to leading 350 
members at Courtney Baptist Church, he served at Zephyr Baptist Church 
in Dobson, North Carolina, from 1995 to 2000, and at Oak Grove Baptist 
Church in Madison, North Carolina, from 2000 to 2005. He graduated from 
Fruitland Bible Institute in 2000 with an associate's degree in 
biblical ministries.
  Reverend Atkins was born and raised in Mt. Airy, North Carolina. He 
is the son of Tommy and Rebecca Atkins, whose support was instrumental 
in helping him get to Washington today. Reverend Atkins and his wife, 
Debbie, currently reside in Yadkinville with their two children Alison 
and Lee.
  Reverend Atkins' life has been one of service to God and his 
community. Throughout the years he has brightened and enriched the 
lives of many others. It is an honor to have him serve as our guest 
chaplain. I hope that his words of prayer will remain with all of us as 
we do the people's work today.

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