G. K. Butterfield: “I rise this morning to honor the Reverend Dr. Howard W. Parker, Jr., who has served as pastor of historic Sycamore Hill…”

“I rise this morning to honor the Reverend Dr. Howard W. Parker, Jr., who has served as pastor of historic Sycamore Hill Missionary Baptist Church located in Greenville, North Carolina, for more than 35 years, and will soon retire. The son of Howard and Bernice Parker, Dr. Parker excelled academically, attending Shaw University, Winston-Salem State University, Wake Forest University, and United Christian College, ultimately receiving a master of divinity degree and an honorary doctor of divinity degree. Under his devoted leadership, Mr. Speaker, Sycamore Hill Missionary Baptist Church has grown in membership and has become a giant in the Greenville community. In addition to leading his congregation, Dr. Parker served as president of the North Carolina General Baptist State Convention, which represents more than a half a million Missionary Baptists in 1,700 North Carolina congregations. Dr. Parker's commitment to the community has stretched far beyond the pulpit. He was twice elected to the Pitt County Board of Education and served as the board's chair. He serves as associate chaplain of the Greenville Police Department and is a member of the Greenville Initiative on Gang Violence. Dr. Parker is married to the former Ruby LaVerna Grantham from Goldsboro. They are the proud parents of two adult children, Kelly and Andrea. His distinguished career and life of unselfish and dedicated service to mankind has positively impacted the lives of so many.…”