The Office of the Chaplain United States House of Representatives

Reverend Frank M. Deerey, Jr.

First Baptist Church
LaBelle, FL

Sponsor: Rep. Hon. Mark Foley, (R-FL)
Date of Prayer: 05/03/2006

One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:

(Mr. FOLEY asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. FOLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome our guest chaplain, the Reverend Frank Michael Deerey , Jr., who is currently serving as senior pastor at the First Baptist Church of LaBelle, Florida.

I first met Pastor Deerey during a visit with Governor Jeb Bush after Hurricane Wilma hit south Florida, and we witnessed First Baptist Church of LaBelle's humanitarian operation for the hurricane victims who were in need of a hot shower, meals, clothing and other resources. LaBelle is a small city with a big heart, and that was truly visible under Pastor Deerey's leadership, as his church rallied along with the community to help those who were adversely affected by the wrath of Hurricane Wilma.

Pastor Deerey was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, and lived there until 1995, when he came to Florida to serve in LaBelle. He received a bachelor of arts in 1979 from Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, Louisiana. In 1982, he received a master's of divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Pastor Deerey was licensed and ordained as a minister and has served as youth pastor, associate pastor and pastor at four Louisiana churches.

Since moving to Florida, Reverend Deerey has been actively involved in the community as president of the local unit of the Salvation Army and is currently serving the Hendry County Sheriff's Office as chaplain.

Pastor Deerey is married and has two children. His wife, Cathy, joins us today, and has taught in public schools for 27 years and currently is a school guidance counselor. His son is a graduate of Embry–Riddle Aeronautic University in Daytona, Florida, and his daughter is currently enrolled in Edison College in Fort Myers, Florida.

It is a great pleasure to join our friends in LaBelle in welcoming Pastor Frank to the House Chamber to open our legislative day with prayer and thank him for all his services, not only to LaBelle but all of Florida.

Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:

Dear Heavenly Father, this morning, I ask Your blessing upon the men and women who are gathered to conduct business as Representatives for the people of this great nation. God, each of these leaders has a need on his or her heart and I pray that you will be recognized as a God who will meet every need as You are called on to provide strength, wisdom, and the discernment to make difficult decision that will affect so many people of the United States.

Father, I pray for these leaders who have been given the awesome responsibilities to lead that You will guide them to lead in a way that pleases You and strengthens Your plan for this country. You have blessed the United States incredibly and we give You praise for these blessings. Father, guide us to remember the words of the Psalmist to; "Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture." (Psalm 100:3)

In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen!

To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory