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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E469]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING REVEREND DR. C. NATHAN EDWERS 30TH PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY
______
HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL
of new york
in the house of representatives
Monday, April 15, 2019
Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, It is my sincere honor to recognize a dear
friend, Reverend Dr. Collie Nathan Edwers, who this year celebrates his
30th Pastoral Anniversary at the Friendship Worship Center in Mount
Vernon.
Nathan, as he is best known, was born in Newark, New Jersey to the
union of Bishop Collie Edwers and the late Mother Dorothy Edwers. He is
the third child born to this family of seven. He was raised in the
quiet suburban community of North Edison, New Jersey. He was educated
in the Edison High School system until his parents relocated to
Metuchen, New Jersey during his junior year of High School. It was
during this time of his adolescent years that Nathan felt and responded
to the call of God on his life. At the age of sixteen, Nathan preached
his initial sermon at St. Mark U.F.W. Baptist Church, the same church
where his father baptized him.
Upon High School graduation, Nathan continued his education through
the encouragement of his parents. Nathan was directed to pursue his
undergraduate education at Northeastern Bible College in Essex Falls,
New Jersey. During his senior year of study, Nathan was approached by
the officers of Calvary U.F.W. Baptist Church to serve as their next
Pastor. In May of 1983, Nathan was elected as their Pastor and assumed
that responsibility on the Fifth Sunday. During this time Nathan
decided against the advice of his father, to discontinue his education
at Northeastern Bible College in order to move full attention to the
Church. During his six years tenure as Pastor, Nathan was very
fortunate to meet his darling wife, Aro Denise Harper. Out of this
union were born two, children, Eric and Sherri. Both of his children
are adults and are successful in their life choice career.
In January 1989, Nathan answered the call as the First Family of
Little Friendship Unified Free Will Baptist Church. During his ministry
at Friendship Church, the Lord added to his family his son, Eric Nathan
Edwers. In October of 1997, Pastor Edwers began the process to acquire
Temple Emanuel Jewish Center in Mount Vernon, which was up for sale. In
January 1998 the church agreed to modify its name by removing the word
``little'' from its former name known as ``Little Friendship Unified
Free Will Baptist Church''. Bishop Edwers led the church into a $1.3
million dollar relocation expansion program, and on August 16, 1998 he
marched the ``Friendship Unified Free Will Baptist Church'' and
hundreds of friends into their new home, renamed the Friendship Worship
Center in September 1998.
Madam Speaker, Friendship Worship has grown by leaps and bounds
thanks to Nathan and Denise Edwers. On this special occasion, I want to
congratulate the pastor on 30 wonderful years, and thank him for all he
has done in the community.
____________________