[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 1377]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING MS. BETTY GADLING

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 8, 2011

  Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
extraordinary career of Ms. Betty Gadling. Known affectionately as 
``Sister Betty,'' Ms. Gadling has served Allen Temple Baptist Church 
for 35 years as the venerable Minister of Music and Performing Arts.
  A woman of many talents, Ms. Gadling has traveled the world as a 
performer, composed and published original pieces, recorded two albums 
of gospel music, directed numerous choral groups, and produced full-
scale productions, such as The Black Nativity and The Celebration of 
Light. Through her passion and skill as a music instructor and mentor, 
she has developed countless programs that inspire our young people in 
the fields of music appreciation, instrumental instruction, voice 
lessons, music theory, business of music and ensemble playing.
  Her contributions to the Bay Area through the Allen Temple Musical, 
Cultural and Performing Arts Committee are unmatched, and her musical 
gifts are only outweighed by her personal commitment to ministry, faith 
and service. In addition to a long musical career, Ms. Gadling was the 
first African-American female Sheriff in Contra Costa County, a valued 
staff member of the University of California, and an employee at 
Fairfield-Suisun Army Air Base (now Travis Air Force Base) while 
pursuing a degree at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.
  She has acted as a consultant for youth programs to the American 
Baptist Conferences, served on the Committee of Musicians and Pastors 
for the African American Hymnal, and was honored in 2009 as a Cal State 
East Bay Outstanding Alumnus and a Hampton University Ministers' 
Conference and the Choir Directors' Organists' Guild Workshop, ``Living 
Legend in Church Music.''
  Betty is a musical genius and giant. Her creative spirit soars. She 
has been an inspiration to those whose lives she has touched, including 
myself. On behalf of the residents of California's 9th Congressional 
District, Ms. Betty Gadling, I salute you. Thank you for your 
exceptional contributions to Allen Temple Baptist Church and to 
residents throughout the Bay Area. I wish you and your loved ones all 
the best in this next chapter of life.

                          ____________________