Reverend Charles E. Smith
Berea Baptist Church
Fort Worth, TX
Sponsor: Rep. Michael Burgess, (R-TX)
Date of Prayer: 05/13/2009
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I have the honor of welcoming and recognizing Rev. Charles E. Smith, who just gave the opening prayer before Congress this 13th day of May of 2009. Rev. Smith is the pastor at Berea Baptist Church in Forest Hill, Texas. He is joined today by his wife, Gloria; his children; and many, many members of his church family and church congregation.
Rev. Smith is a native of Texas and a longtime resident of Fort Worth, where he and his wife live with their six children. A graduate of the Southern Bible Institute and of the University of Texas at Arlington, with a degree in architecture, Rev. Smith has served as a spiritual foundation in his community for over 25 years.
Mr. Speaker, I commend Rev. Smith for his longstanding service to his parishioners and congregants in Forest Hill, Texas, in the Forth Worth area, and to members of his congregation whom he has so capably served. It is my pleasure to have Rev. Smith here with us today and an honor to represent him and his parishioners in the 26th District of the State of Texas.
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
ALMIGHTY GOD,
Bestow the best of YOUR blessings upon the men and women of Congress and all who shall hereafter occupy these halls.
Grant them divine wisdom to lead our nation with humility and discernment.
Order their steps as they work to strengthen our national resources.
Preserve in them the time–honored values of faith, hope, and love that sustained our forefathers.
Let their decisions inspire America so that we might shine as a beacon.
As we pause this week to pay homage to our fallen police officers, let us be thankful for the services of our law enforcement officers everywhere who risk their lives daily for the safety and protection of others.
Protect also our military members, fortifying them as they secure the blessings of liberty to us and our posterity.
Finally, unite us as one nation under GOD that we may give YOU praise and glory always. Amen.
To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory