[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 79 (Friday, May 12, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1025-E1026]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


     EUGENE AND EARL BLACK--91 YEARS OF COMBINED, DEDICATED SERVICE

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                           HON. GLENN POSHARD

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 12, 1995
  Mr. POSHARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to two 
brothers who have, for over four decades, made a tremendous 
contribution to their communities. Eugene and Earl Black have served 
their friends and 
[[Page E1026]] neighbors throughout southern Illinois as ministers for 
a combined 91 years. Both Eugene and Earl will retire on June 30, 1995.
  Eugene Black has ministered to the needs of his neighbors in small, 
rural communities throughout southern Illinois for 49 years. He has 
been the pastor at the First United Methodist Church in Herrin, IL, 
since 1989 and will step down the last day of June to start what 
promises to be a rewarding retirement in Mattoon. Eugene plans to 
continue in his retirement as an interim pastor, help his sons, Phillip 
and Paul, with home repairs, and travel.
  Earl Black also found his life's calling in service to the church. 
For 42 years he has ministered to the needs of the people of southern 
Illinois, and currently serves as the minister of the First United 
Methodist Church of Marion. Earl plans to retire near Metropolis, where 
he anticipates a retirement full of singing with the gospel quartet, 
auctioneering in the community, and working in his machine shop.
  Serving the needs of congregations for over 40 years has been a 
rewarding experience that neither brother would wish to change. Being 
called upon to aid in a families time of joy or sorrow is a great 
responsibility, and both Eugene and Earl shoulder the task with 
graciousness and humility. Seldom in life are people destined for 
careers in which they are able to directly touch the lives of those 
with whom they come in contact, but Eugene and Earl have done this, and 
I commend them for dedicating their lives for the benefit of others. 
They have enjoyed careers of inspiration and divine purpose, and it is 
with regret that their friends see them retire.
  Mr. Speaker, Earl and Eugene Black have committed their lives to 
helping others enjoy a special moment, or endure a time of anguish, and 
I am proud to represent them in Congress. They have touched the lives 
of countless people, and I urge my colleagues to join with me in 
saluting these outstanding brothers.


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