[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 163 (Friday, October 20, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S15408]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO REV. JOE VICKERS

 Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize a 
Tennessean who has played an important role in the community of 
Goodlettsville for nearly 35 years. Since 1961, Rev. Joe Vickers has 
been the pastor of Goodlettsville Cumberland Presbyterian Church. On 
Sunday, October 29, Reverend Vickers is retiring as pastor and 
beginning a new stage of his life. Today, I would like to thank Joe 
Vickers for his longstanding commitment to his church, his family, and 
his community, and wish him well as he begins his retirement.
  Originally from Memphis, TN, Reverend Vickers graduated from the 
University of Mississippi on a football scholarship. After serving in 
the Army, Vickers entered the 4-year seminary program at Bethel College 
and became a Presbyterian minister.
  Mr. President, when Joe Vickers came to Goodlettsville, his church 
had 70 members. During his tenure as pastor, the Goodlettsville 
Cumberland Presbyterian membership has grown dramatically. Now, that 
church is 1,000 members strong, and should continue to thrive in the 
years to come.
  As a minister, Reverend Vickers nurtured his congregation well, but 
he also nurtured his community. For 35 years, Vickers was a neighbor, 
an adviser, a leader, and a friend to the people of Goodlettsville. His 
service to the community and church was an example of strong faith for 
many children and youth. He joined couples in marriage, consoled those 
who experienced a physical, emotional or spiritual loss, and taught the 
lessons of life alongside of the lessons of Christ. Those who know Joe 
Vickers know that even in retirement, he will remain a friend, an 
adviser and a leader to many people in the area.
  Mr. President, after he retires, Joe Vickers will continue to live in 
Goodlettsville with his wife Mary Catherine, and will remain active in 
the church as its minister emeritus. He will also remain a vital part 
of the community. And on Sunday, October 29, members of Reverend 
Vickers' family, his church family, and his friends in the community 
will gather to honor this man and his accomplishments. And as he 
retires, they will look at the foundation Reverend Vickers has laid for 
his family, his church, and the city of Goodlettsville, and they will 
see that it is strong and solid.

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