Date: 2014-03-05
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. it is with heavy heart but a joy for his life that I rise today to honor Henry Willis "Hanq" Neal of Houston. Texas. who lost his battle in life last week. He was the music minister at the Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. an awesome tenor voice anointed by God. Mr. Speaker. I rise to pay tribute to Henry Willis "Hanq" Neal. the legendary minister of music at Houstons Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. who was called home by the Lord on Thursday. February 27. 2014. He was 57 years old. The attack that took his life occurred the Sunday preceding. after a number of church services where he led the music ministry. and then concluding at another church a few miles away. never stopping. never ceasing to lead to the glory the Lord. Hanq Neal possessed a distinctive singing voice that enthralled all audiences. the churched and the unchurched. According to the Reverend Marcus D. Cosby. Wheeler Avenue Baptist Churchs senior pastor. because of Hanq. peoples lives have been comforted and we have been enriched by his musical genius. Hanq Neal was born on September 4. 1956. one of eight children. He was raised in Ft. Wayne. Indiana. where he began to play the organ at 4 and took up the violin at 7. He performed in school orchestras and sang in the church on Sunday. He dreamed of becoming a teacher. a gifted musician. and vocalist. Hanq Neal and two church friends formed a gospel trio. the Pentecostal Ambassadors. The group was discovered at a Gospel Music Workshop of America conference and signed to a recording contract by the gospel legend. Reverend James Cleveland. Hanq Neal sang the lead on "If You Move Yourself." the title track of the 1980 gospel album recorded live in Detroit by the Donald Vails Choraleers. The main thing that I want to share with all of you is that Hanq Neal was a friend. He sang at Erica Lees. my daughters wedding. And he sang this song. Mr. Speaker. for the late Congressman Mickey Leland. "There Is Hope." Hanq Neal gave hope to the world. We loved Hanq Neal. He was a hero. an American hero. We have lost a unique talent. We wish our deepest sympathy to his family. and he will be missed. You may not know him. Congress. but he is an American hero. Mr. Speaker. I rise to pay tribute to Henry Willis Hanq Neal. the legendary Minister of Music at Houstons Wheeler Baptist Church. who was called home by the Lord on Thursday. February 27. 2014. He was 57 years old. Hanq Neal possessed a distinctive singing voice that enthralled all audiences. the churched and unchurched. According to the Rev. Marcus D. Cosby. Wheeler Baptist Churchs senior pastor. because of Hanq. "peoples lives have been comforted and we have been enriched by a musical genius." Hanq Neal was born September 4. 1956. one of eight children. He was raised in Fort Wayne. Indiana. where he began playing the organ at 4 and took up the violin at 7. He performed in school orchestras and sang in church on Sunday. He dreamed of becoming a teacher. A gifted musician and vocalist. Hanq Neal and two church friends formed a gospel trio. the Pentecostal Ambassadors. The group was discovered at a Gospel Music Workshop of America conference and signed to a recording contract by gospel legend. Rev. James Cleveland. Hanq Neal sang the lead on "If You Move Yourself." the title track of the 1980 gospel album recorded live in Detroit by The Donald Vails Choraleers. In 1984. Hanq joined the Windsor Village United Methodist Church. a smallbutgrowing Houston congregation. and eventually established five choirs with a total membership of 600. He served there until 2001 and helped Windsor become the denominations largest congregation. Hanq Neal "had an awesome tenor voice anointed by God." according to Kathy Taylor. the nationally known gospel artist who succeeded him as Windsor Villages music minister. Mr. Speaker. Hanq Neal was the preferred vocalist for Houston public occasions. He performed at mayoral inaugurations and for Queen Elizabeth II when she visited the city in It was at the memorial service for the late Congressman Mickey Leland in 1989 that Hanq Neal gained national recognition and critical acclaim for his rendition of "There Is Hope." which became one of his signature songs. When Hanq finished that song there were no dry eyes in the room every heart was lifted. Hanq Neals operatic rendition of "The Lords Prayer" made him a popular soloist at funerals and other solemn occasions. Hanq Neal was a unique talent and an American original. He was genuine. He broke and crossed barriers. His music brought the church to the community and the community to the church. Mr. Speaker. Hanq Neal was a great man who touched the lives of all who heard him. He will be missed but never forgotten. I ask a moment of silence in memory of Henry Willis Hanq Neal.