[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 16] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 21718] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]TRIBUTE TO REVEREND DR. G. DAVID HORTON, PASTOR OF GREATER NEW BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH ______ HON. KENDRICK B. MEEK of florida in the house of representatives Thursday, September 28, 2006 Mr. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to one of our community's indefatigable church leaders, Rev. Dr. G. David Horton, Pastor of Greater New Bethel Baptist Church, as he celebrates his 27th Pastoral Anniversary. Rev. Horton is married to Modena Smith Horton and is the father of five sons: Gregory, Eldrick, Reginald, Michael, and Thomas, and one daughter, Ava Rena. Rev. Horton represents the vocation of a Good Shepherd who attends to his flock in ways we can never understand. As pastor and teacher, he exudes the knowledge and pragmatism of a visionary who goes about teaching the ways of God. He has tirelessly worked to enlighten our community on the agenda of spiritual wisdom and good governance, impacting our duties and responsibilities to the less fortunate. I want to commend his tremendous work in guiding not only the members of Greater New Bethel Baptist Church, but also the members of the larger community. Through the longevity of his pastorate, he has truly persevered in showing us the Way and expounding for us the Truth that emanates from the teachings of the Gospels. Having completed his religious studies at the Easonian Theological Seminary in Birmingham, Alabama, he went on to pursue and obtain his Doctorate of Ministry from the South Florida Center for Theological Studies. In the midst of his studies, he continued to serve as the CEO of Bethel's Family Life Center and Bethel's Child Care Center. He emphasizes the sanctity of the family and the importance of responding to the needs of children. This commitment truly underscores his unshakeable belief that ``. . . the ruin of a nation starts in the homes of its people.'' Rev. Horton continues to be involved in the Baptist Church on both the state and national level. He is currently Moderator of the Seaboard Baptist Association, Inc. and President of the Moderator Auxiliary, Florida General Baptist State Convention, Inc. He has previously served in several other capacities within the Seaboard Baptist Association and the State Congress of Christian Education. Rev. Horton's timely and persevering leadership at Greater New Bethel Baptist Church for 27 years is genuinely admirable. As a man of God and as a deeply spiritual leader immersed in Scriptural commitment, he has earned our deepest respect and commendation. This is the legacy of Rev. Dr. G. David Horton. I am truly privileged in thanking him for his many years of service. My pride in sharing his friendship is only exceeded by my utmost gratitude for everything he has sacrificed on behalf of our community. He continues to teach us to live by the noble ethic of loving God by serving our fellow man. ____________________