Floor SpeechCeremonial2025-03-05

RECOGNIZING REVEREND SARAH YVONNE WILLIAMS CARR

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On 2025-03-05, Representative Donald S. Beyer, Jr. (D-VA-8) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING REVEREND SARAH YVONNE WILLIAMS CARR" in the House.

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RECOGNIZING REVEREND SARAH YVONNE WILLIAMS CARR

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 42 (Wednesday, March 5, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 42 (Wednesday, March 5, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E187] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING REVEREND SARAH YVONNE WILLIAMS CARR ______ HON. DONALD S. BEYER, JR. of virginia in the house of representatives Wednesday, March 5, 2025 Mr. BEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and recognize Reverend Sarah Yvonne Williams Carr, a truly remarkable woman who has dedicated her life to serving the Ebenezer Baptist Church and the Alexandria Community. Reverend Sarah Carr, a trailblazer who has made history at Ebenezer Baptist Church (EBC) in Northern Virginia, was born on September 19, 1953, in South Carolina. Her family moved to Virginia, where Reverend Carr attended Charles Houston Elementary and Parker Gray High School and joined Ebenezer Baptist Church. It was at Ebenezer that Reverend Carr was first baptized as a child by Reverend A.A. Booker, and again as a teenager when she started her journey with God. As an adult, she shared her vision of becoming a Minister with her mother, Mrs. Sallie Mae Sanders Baker, and other Pastors at Ebenezer, Reverend Lloyd Roberts, Reverend Duane Kay, Reverend James Buck, and Reverend W. Pierce Smith. For over 60 years, Reverend Carr has been a devoted member of Ebenezer Baptist Church, a church with a 144-year history within the Alexandria community. Her spiritual journey began at Ebenezer, and despite receiving her calling many times, she initially ignored it. However, with strong encouragement from Reverend Dr. Albert P. Jackson, her sister Jeanette, other family members, friends, and her late brother, Rice, Reverend Carr became inspired and felt a strong urge to fulfill the calling she had long ignored, thus began her training and educational journey. On November 24, 2024, she made history by becoming the first female Reverend to be ordained at Ebenezer Baptist Church. This achievement is not just a personal triumph, but a testament to Reverend Carr's unwavering dedication, hard work and strong faith. Reverend Carr's journey has been one of a vision, purpose, and service. Before deciding to follow her divine calling, Sarah was a respected leader and worked in various capacities, including Alexandria City Public Schools, the Campagna Center, and the Alexandria Recreational Department. Her decision to pursue ordination is a milestone, not only for her, but for the entire church, and the broader community as we continue to embrace and celebrate women in leadership roles. We thank Reverend Carr for her tireless work, leadership, commitment to help others, and for showing us all what it means to walk in purpose and faith. May God continue to bless her and her work. ____________________

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RECOGNIZING REVEREND SARAH YVONNE WILLIAMS CARR Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 42 (Wednesday, March 5, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 42 (Wednesday, March 5, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E187] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING REVEREND SARAH YVONNE WILLIAMS CARR ______ HON. DONALD S. BEYER, JR. of virginia in the house of representatives Wednesday, March 5, 2025 Mr. BEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and recognize Reverend Sarah Yvonne Williams Carr, a truly remarkable woman who has dedicated her life to serving the Ebenezer Baptist Church and the Alexandria Community. Reverend Sarah Carr, a trailblazer who has made history at Ebenezer Baptist Church (EBC) in Northern Virginia, was born on September 19, 1953, in South Carolina. Her family moved to Virginia, where Reverend Carr attended Charles Houston Elementary and Parker Gray High School and joined Ebenezer Baptist Church. It was at Ebenezer that Reverend Carr was first baptized as a child by Reverend A.A. Booker, and again as a teenager when she started her journey with God. As an adult, she shared her vision of becoming a Minister with her mother, Mrs. Sallie Mae Sanders Baker, and other Pastors at Ebenezer, Reverend Lloyd Roberts, Reverend Duane Kay, Reverend James Buck, and Reverend W. Pierce Smith. For over 60 years, Reverend Carr has been a devoted member of Ebenezer Baptist Church, a church with a 144-year history within the Alexandria community. Her spiritual journey began at Ebenezer, and despite receiving her calling many times, she initially ignored it. However, with strong encouragement from Reverend Dr. Albert P. Jackson, her sister Jeanette, other family members, friends, and her late brother, Rice, Reverend Carr became inspired and felt a strong urge to fulfill the calling she had long ignored, thus began her training and educational journey. On November 24, 2024, she made history by becoming the first female Reverend to be ordained at Ebenezer Baptist Church. This achievement is not just a personal triumph, but a testament to Reverend Carr's unwavering dedication, hard work and strong faith. Reverend Carr's journey has been one of a vision, purpose, and service. Before deciding to follow her divine calling, Sarah was a respected leader and worked in various capacities, including Alexandria City Public Schools, the Campagna Center, and the Alexandria Recreational Department. Her decision to pursue ordination is a milestone, not only for her, but for the entire church, and the broader community as we continue to embrace and celebrate women in leadership roles. We thank Reverend Carr for her tireless work, leadership, commitment to help others, and for showing us all what it means to walk in purpose and faith. May God continue to bless her and her work. ____________________