October 2, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E2213 

a pulsating excitement of the presence of God 

for people of diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. 

Archbishop McKinley over the past 44 years 

has guided Elim’s extraordinary growth and 

development, moving the church from its 

Chauncey Street location first to 1810 Fulton 

Street, then to 515 Classon Avenue, and finally to its larger, magnificent home on 20 

Madison Street in the Bedford-Stuyvesant 

neighborhood of Brooklyn. 

Archbishop McKinley has succeeded in creating a vibrant home for thousands of men, 

women, boys, girls, and teenagers seeking a 

sincere, personal relationship with Jesus 

Christ. The church has launched many powerful ministries that bring the Bible to life and inspire each individual to develop his or her 

spiritual potential. 

Archbishop McKinley is also an accomplished, celebrated preacher and a master 

teacher. His message of hope, deliverance, 

prosperity, and nationhood is broadcasted live 

to thousands of listeners worldwide every Sunday morning. 

Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize 

Archbishop Wilbert S. McKinley, Jr. for 50 

years of outstanding service to our community 

as a member of the ministry. 

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to 

join me in paying tribute to Archbishop Wilbert 

S. McKinley. 

f 

HONORING BOY SCOUT TROOP 31 

HON. DALE E. KILDEE OF MICHIGAN

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Thursday, October 2, 2008 

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I ask the 

House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Boy Scout Troop 31 for celebrating 

their 90th anniversary. The troop will celebrate 

this milestone on October 25 in Flint, Michigan. 

In 1909, William D. Boyce of Chicago was 

visiting London and became lost in a dense 

fog. A Boy Scout helped him to safety. When 

he offered a tip to the youngster, the young 

man responded that a Boy Scout could not 

take a tip for doing a good deed. William 

Boyce was so impressed with the child that he 

sought out Robert Baden-Powell, the founder 

of the Boy Scouts, to learn about the organization. From that meeting the Boy Scouts of 

America was born. The concept of boys coming together to learn life skills spread across 

the United States and in 1918 Troop 31 was 

founded by Charles P. Coates at Court Street 

United Methodist Church. 

Troop 31 is the fifth oldest troop in Michigan 

and 1 of 250 troops across the Nation that 

have been in existence for 90 or more years. 

Charles Coates was the first Scoutmaster 

leading the troop for the duration of World War 

I. During this time the Scouts served as messengers for the War Board, sold Liberty Loan 

Bonds, and collected War Savings stamps. 

C.S. Mott was mayor of Flint and his son, Harding C.S. Mott, was one of the first members. 

Over the years, Troop 31 has been blessed 

with outstanding Scoutmasters and leaders. 

Norman A.J. Asselstine, known as ‘‘Mr. A’’ 

served the troop for over 40 years and Robert 

Bigler, known as ‘‘Mr. B’’ served for 50 years. 

Robert Bigler was the oldest and longest registered member of the Tall Pine Council when 

he passed away in 2004. Over 1,000 boys 

have belonged to Troop 31 over the past 90 

years and over 60 Scouts have reached the 

rank of Eagle Scout. 

Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating the Scouts, Scout alumni, parents, 

leaders, and Scoutmasters of Boy Scout 

Troop 31. For the past 90 years, young men 

have gathered at Court Street United Methodist Church and pledged in the Scout Oath, 

‘‘On my honor I will do my best To do my duty 

to God and my country and obey the Scout 

Law; To help other people at all times; To 

keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, 

and morally straight.’’ These words combined 

with the example of their leaders have guided 

the Scouts of Troop 31 as they matured into 

men. I pray Troop 31 will carry on this legacy 

for many years to come. 

f 

CONGRATULATING SUSAN FOSTER—RECIPIENT OF THE 2008 

WEST REGION GREAT COMEBACKS AWARD 

HON. HARRY E. MITCHELL OF ARIZONA

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Thursday, October 2, 2008 

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise 

today to congratulate Susan Foster on receiving this year’s West Region Great Comebacks 

Award. This award recognizes the remarkable 

way in which Susan was able to overcome the 

physical and emotional challenges of having 

ulcerative colitis, a form of Inflammatory Bowel 

Disease. 

Susan has suffered from this disease for 15 

years before having a life-changing permanent 

ileostomy. Since then, Susan has dedicated 

herself to staying physically active and traveling, making it a priority to not allow her disease to control her life. She has also worked 

to actively reach out to others with IBD 

through her time with the United Ostomy Associations of America visiting patients who undergo ostomy surgery. 

The Great Comebacks has been advocating 

for and inspiring those around the world living 

with IBD for the past 24 years. They have 

made it their mission to not only raise awareness for the difficulties that come with having 

IBD, but to also remove the stigma attached to 

having ostomy surgery. Organizations like the 

Great Comebacks support IBD patients and 

help them lead full lives in spite of the adversities they face. 

Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing Susan Foster for her energetic effort in 

supporting those with IBD, and her continued 

service to the community. 


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