Arlen Specter: “I rise today to recognize Philip Bongiorno, a Pennsylvania native and church leader of the Assemblies of God whose life…”

“I rise today to recognize Philip Bongiorno, a Pennsylvania native and church leader of the Assemblies of God whose life work has been to serve the people of his state, of his country, and of the world. Born in Erie, PA, on September 22, 1932, Reverend Bongiorno entered Eastern Bible Institute in Green Lane, PA, in 1951 and subsequently graduated in 1955. In 1952, Reverend Bongiorno married his wife of 51 years and began his ministry as an Assemblies of God evangelist. Numerous Pennsylvania communities have been the beneficiaries of Reverend Bongiorno's dedicated service. From 1956 to 1978, he led congregations in Milesburg, Punxsutawney, Sarver, and Harrisburg. In 1961, colleagues recognized his leadership by electing Reverend Bongiorno as Sectional Presbyter. He was elected to the Board of Directors of Teen Challenge in 1971, where he continues to serve, and again in 1976 to the Board of Trustees of Valley Forge Christian College, the successor college of his alma mater. It was there that he faithfully served until 2002. In addition, Reverend Bongiorno, as District Superintendent, was the denominational leader from 1978 to 2002 for all English-speaking Assemblies of God congregations in Pennsylvania and Delaware.”