[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 76 (Thursday, June 5, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1139]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO REV. JAMES L. GLEESE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. HAROLD E. FORD, JR.

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 5, 1997

  Mr. FORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to remember 
and pay tribute to the late Reverend James L. Gleese. Reverend Gleese's 
recent passing will result in a tremendous void in our community. He 
was a selfless and giving man, seeking to serve rather than be served, 
to praise rather than be praised, and to glorify rather than be 
glorified.
  After entering the ministry in 1945, Reverend Gleese acted in the 
benevolent service of his fellow man. In 1954, he founded and operated 
the Beale Street Mission, which housed homeless men, giving them 
counseling, employment assistance, and spiritual guidance. He devoted 
his evenings to the Youth For Christ Ministry, an outreach to young 
people in the Beale Street area of Memphis. Reverend Gleese lead the 
A.M.E. Church as presiding elder of the North Memphis district. Through 
his vision, hard work, and determination, he founded Pearl Street 
A.M.E. Church and West Point A.M.E. Church. He also fulfilled his 
service to the greater community by involving himself extensively in 
civic affairs.
  Reverend Gleese will be remembered as a noble spirit and fearless 
warrior, one who stood tall among his peers and who stood firm in his 
beliefs. His work in the church and the community and his devotion to 
his family and friends will be his enduring legacy. Mr. Speaker, I ask 
my colleagues join me in honoring and remembering this paragon of 
inspiration and decorated soldier of the cloth, the late Reverend James 
L. Gleese.

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