[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 80 (Tuesday, June 10, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1163]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING REV. MATTHEW J. PEARSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. THOMAS M. DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 10, 1997

  Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to 
rise today to pay tribute to the esteemed pastor of Warner Baptist 
Church, the Reverend Matthew J. Pearson. The Warner Baptist Church is 
celebrating their 25th anniversary of guidance under Reverend Pearson.
  Matthew was born in Washington, DC, on June 23, 1930. He first 
studied Bible courses at the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, IL, and 
later graduated from the Washington Bible College in Washington, DC. In 
1951, he married Mildred Robinson and together they have been blessed 
with two children, a son, Melvin, and a daughter, Donna. Matthew has 
been involved in the ministry for 36 years. Previous to this time, he 
spent 2 years in the United States Army during the Korean war, again 
showing his dedication to his country and serving others.
  In 1955 Matthew joined the Warner Baptist Church where he began 
serving God as president of the senior choir, member of the deacon 
board, and as a Sunday school teacher. In 1961, he was called to the 
ministry and was licensed at the Warner Baptist Church, where he was 
ordained in 1963. Reverend Pearson became the pastor of Warner Baptist 
Church in 1972 and a number of accomplishments have been achieved under 
his leadership. One of his goals has been organizing the ministries of 
the church for all ages of parishioners.
  Matthew is not only heavily involved in his church, but also in his 
community. He is the chaplain for HOSPICE of Arlington, member of the 
Lott Carey Foreign Mission, member of the Annandale Christian Community 
for Action, and an active participant in the Meals-On-Wheels' program. 
He was also instrumental in organizing the Baileys Crossroads Shelter 
for the Homeless. Reverend Pearson was recently honored for his 
devotion to public service by being asked to give the opening prayer at 
the House of Delegates in Richmond.
  The Warner Baptist Church has been blessed for 25 years with Reverend 
Pearson's religious teachings. I know my colleagues and the 
congregation of Warner Baptist Church will join me in saluting Reverend 
Pearson on this special anniversary. It has been a great honor and 
pleasure to work with Matthew Pearson for nearly 20 years. He is 
someone who has made a difference in our community. I wish him the best 
for continued success in the future.

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