[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 67 (Tuesday, May 14, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S4989]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO DR. W. JAMES RIVERS

  Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, it is no secret that a career dedicated 
to the service of others is a calling that garners minimal financial 
reward and often little recognition. Individuals will labor their whole 
lives working to make the world a slightly better place, only to 
receive few, if any, accolades or commendations. Today, I want to take 
this opportunity to recognize one person who has dedicated his life to 
God and his fellow man, Dr. W. James Rivers, and whose commitment to 
both has made South Carolina a better place to live.
  Dr. Rivers' calling to the ministry did not come until he was in his 
thirties, but he knew early on that he wanted to dedicate his life to 
serving others. Upon his graduation from the University of South 
Carolina, he earned a commission in the United States Air Force and 
found himself on the Korean Peninsula, where the United States and the 
United Nations were waging a war against the expansionist Communists of 
North Korea and China. The fighting in this conflict was brutal and it 
was not long before the young officer was in the thick of it, and 
during his time in Korea, he flew 50 combat missions against our 
enemies. When a cease-fire agreement was finally reached, and the 
shooting finally stopped, James Rivers decided to remain in the Air 
Force and climbed to the rank of captain; however, in 1958, he heard 
the Lord's call, resigned his commission, and began the process of 
becoming a minister.
  After returning to school, Dr. Rivers began his second career of 
service, this time to God, which began with a 4-year stint ministering 
at Dutch Fork Baptist Church. In 1967, Dr. Rivers moved from Columbia, 
SC, to my hometown of Aiken, where he became the pastor of Millbrook 
Baptist Church. For the past 29 years, he has ministered to the needs 
of his flock with great compassion, and has proven to be an effective 
leader for his church, performing more than 1,400 baptisms, and more 
than 1,000 marriages. Additionally, under his direction, Millbrook 
Baptist Church has more than trebled in size, added both a Christian 
Activities Center and educational building, and has established three 
mission churches in other States. It takes a man of great spirit, 
ability, and energy to accomplish such impressive tasks.

  Mr. President, Dr. W. James Rivers will be retiring from his career 
as a minister on May 19, and in recognition of his many years of 
selfless service, the mayor of Aiken has set aside that Sunday as Jim 
Rivers Day. I am pleased to join my fellow Aikenites and South 
Carolinians in recognizing and thanking Dr. W. James Rivers for all his 
contributions to our State. We are grateful for all his hard work and 
proud to claim him as a leader of our community.

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