[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 76 (Thursday, June 16, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 16, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                   TRIBUTE TO BISHOP LOUIS HENRY FORD

                                 ______


                           HON. BOBBY L. RUSH

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 16, 1994

  Mr. RUSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Bishop Louis Henry Ford, 
founding Pastor of the St. Paul Church of God in Christ of Chicago on 
the occasion of the observance of his 60th pastoral anniversary and his 
80th birthday celebration. Bishop Ford has spent his lifetime serving 
the Church of God in Christ. He has contributed greatly to every area 
of the church's growth and development. Bishop Ford rose to prominence 
early in his ministry in the National Church of God in Christ 
organization.
  Bishop Ford was elevated to the office of national director of public 
relations for the Church of God in Christ in 1945. In 1972, he was 
elevated to the position of assistant presiding bishop. On April 5, 
1990, Bishop Ford was elected to the office of international presiding 
bishop and chief apostle of the over 4 million member Church of God in 
Christ. A native of Clarksdale, MS, Bishop Ford was called to the 
ministry and service of Christ in 1926. He is a graduate of Saints 
College in Lexington, MS. Bishop Ford moved to Chicago in 1933. He was 
ordained an elder by the late Illinois Prelate Bishop William Roberts. 
In 1963, he founded the St. Paul Church of God in Christ. Bishop Ford 
is the founder of the C.H. Mason and William Roberts Bible Institute 
for Bible Studies.
  A devoted family man, Bishop Ford and his wife, Mother Margaret Ford, 
are the parents of one son, Elder Charles H.M. FORD and one daughter, 
Janet Food Hill. He is the grandparent of 10 and great-grandparent of 5 
children. As international presiding bishop, he has developed 
innovative plans to revitalize the ministries of the church. He has 
outlined plans to confront national problems associated with 
homelessness, education and drug abuse, as well as the problems of 
senior citizens, young people and the disabled. Two major projects 
underway are the remodeling of the church-owned landmark Mason Temple 
in Memphis and the reopening of his alma mater, Saints College.
  Mr. Speaker, Bishop Louis Henry Ford is a dedicated, spiritual 
leader. He is greatly admired and respected. His ministry has blessed, 
healed and delivered thousands and his vision, wisdom and leadership 
have been a positive force throughout this Nation. I am privileged that 
in my life our paths crossed and am honored to be his friend. I am 
proud to enter these works of congratulations into the Record.

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