HONORING PASTOR JOHNNY McGOWAN

HONORING PASTOR JOHNNY McGOWAN

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 41 (Wednesday, March 4, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 41 (Wednesday, March 4, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E189] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING PASTOR JOHNNY McGOWAN ______ HON. BILL FOSTER of illinois in the house of representatives Wednesday, March 4, 2026 Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Pastor Johnny McGowan, who has dedicated over 45 years of his life to Gayles Memorial Baptist Church, for receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Aurora African American Heritage Advisory Board. Since 1981, Pastor McGowan has been a faithful leader in the Aurora area and has played a significant role in community development. Over the years, he has held many positions within the church, including church treasurer, ordained deacon, associate minister, interim pastor, and, in 2017, he officially became the Senior Pastor. His widely recognized commitment to spreading faith reflects his dedication to improving the community for all. Pastor McGowan continues to play a vital role in promoting unity and service in a diverse, multicultural community by organizing initiatives such as Community Neighborhood Outreach and the Neighborhood Night Out Program in partnership with the City of Aurora. The recent 75th anniversary celebration of Gayles Memorial Baptist Church further underscores its deep ties to the community--a legacy to which Pastor McGowan has contributed significantly. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize Pastor Johnny McGowan for his 45 years of dedication to ministry. I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating his receipt of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Aurora African American Heritage Advisory Board and in honoring his continued leadership in faith and community engagement. ____________________