[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 8130]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




IN HONOR OF THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ZION CHAPEL MISSIONARY BAPTIST 
                                 CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 11, 2006

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of 
the leaders and members, past and present, of Zion Chapel Missionary 
Baptist Church of Cleveland, Ohio, as they celebrate forty years of 
faith, guidance and support, embracing citizens of all ages within our 
Cleveland community and far beyond.
  Zion Chapel Missionary Baptist Church was founded in the spring of 
1966, when a small group of devoted Christians met at the home of 
Reverend and Mrs. Rudy York and decided that an organized mission of 
faith and service was needed in the neighborhood. On Monday, May 2, 
1966, the Church was officially established and the Reverend Robert M. 
Berry was called upon to lead as the first Pastor.
  Reverend Berry guided the early days of the church with commitment 
and compassion. When he became ill, Reverend Thomas Shearer served as 
interim pastor, and did so with great care and dedication. In June of 
1969, Reverend George O. Stewart was called to serve as Pastor. For 37 
years, Reverend Stewart has led this congregation with grace, energy 
and steadfast faith in the resilience and goodness of the human heart, 
raising lives into the light of self-awareness, forgiveness and service 
to others. Reverend Stewart's kind heart and charismatic demeanor 
inspires thousands of churchgoers every week. His dynamic leadership is 
reflected in faith-based initiatives for families, children and teens; 
is evidenced within a congregation that continues to flourish; and is 
visible in structural expansions that include a new fellowship hall, 
new parking lots and new residential properties.
  Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition 
of every member and leader, past and present, of the Zion Chapel 
Missionary Baptist Church, as they celebrate 40 years of faith, hope 
and healing. The guidance and compassion offered here serves to 
strengthen the lives of countless families and individuals, and offers 
light and hope along Lee Road and horizons beyond.

                          ____________________