[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 3914]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF THE 25TH PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY OF REV. DR. RONALD L. 
                                 OWENS

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 19, 2015

  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Rev. Dr. Ronald 
L. Owens as he celebrates his 25th Pastoral Anniversary as Senior 
Pastor of New Hope Baptist Church in Metuchen, New Jersey. Pastor Owens 
continues to provide outstanding spiritual leadership to the Metuchen 
community.
  Dr. Owens attended New Hope Baptist Church as a child and in 1990 was 
called back to serve as its pastor. Under his leadership, the 
membership of New Hope Baptist Church has grown immensely. He has 
encouraged his congregants to practice faith in action, serving the 
needs of people through several worship and outreach ministries.
  In addition to his service to New Hope Baptist Church, Dr. Owens is 
also a leader in the Baptist church and an active member of the 
community. He has served as General Secretary of the General Baptist 
State Convention of New Jersey, Moderator of the Middlesex Central 
Baptist Association, Inc. and past president of the Metuchen/Edison 
Clergy Association. He is also the first Chaplain of the Metuchen 
Police and Fire Departments, where he continues to counsel, former 
Vice-Chairman of the Middlesex County Democratic Party and is a member 
of The Prince Hall Masons of New Jersey, among others.
  Dr. Owens is married to Sister Cheryl Owens, formerly Cheryl Jones, 
and together they are blessed with two daughters and four grandsons. An 
active member of her faith, Sister Cheryl Owens is also celebrating her 
25th anniversary of First Lady of New Hope Baptist Church and I would 
like to join with the church and community in thanking her for her 
service.
  Mr. Speaker, once again, please join me in celebrating the 25th 
Pastoral Anniversary of Rev. Dr. Ronald L. Owens. His leadership, 
service and dedication to the church and community are truly deserving 
of this body's recognition.

                          ____________________