The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“A TRIBUTE TO PASTOR EMERITUS A.D. THOMAS” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Transportation was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E308 on March 5, 2008.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
A TRIBUTE TO PASTOR EMERITUS A.D. THOMAS
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HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF
of california
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Pastor Emeritus A.D. Thomas, who is celebrating more than 50 years in the ministry.
Pastor Thomas began serving in the ministry in the late 1950s at Saint Matthew Baptist Church in Merced, California. In 1966, he was called to be pastor of Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church in Pasadena, where he ministered for 28 years, until his retirement in 1994.
Under Pastor Thomas' leadership at Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church, many milestones were achieved. A few of the landmark achievements include the purchase of the church's surrounding property, construction of a new sanctuary and the A.D. Thomas Educational Center and the incorporation of Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church.
Many youth-oriented programs were created under Pastor Thomas' guidance, including a scholarship ministry, BEST after-school program, children's church, vacation bible school, youth choir, and Baptist Youth Fellowship. Other programs created during his tenure were the Nurses Guild, food outreach--clothing ministry, the Board of Christian Education, the transportation department, and new membership ministry. Pastor Thomas has also given generously of his time and experience to many community and church-affiliated organizations, such as the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance.
Pastor Thomas and his wife, Dr. Sandra Thomas, long-time Altadena residents, have three children, Michael, Vincent, and Rosalyn, and six grandchildren.
I ask all Members of Congress to join me in congratulating Pastor Emeritus A.D. Thomas for his lifetime commitment to religious services and the betterment of the community.
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