[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 87 (Friday, June 20, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1277]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                       HONORING EARL W. STEPHENS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 20, 1997

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to rise before you 
today to pay tribute to Earl W. Stephens, the Illustrious Potentate of 
Oman Temple No. 72. The Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles of the 
Mystic Shrine will hold their 43d Annual Potentate's Ball in honor of 
Mr. Stephens on June 21, 1997.
  Earl Stephens was born in 1943 to Dock and Jerlyn Stephens in 
Gilliam, LA, as the second oldest of 12 children. He began his 
education at Hale Elementary School in Hosston, went on to attend Pine 
Valley School of Rodessa, LA, and graduated from Herndon High School of 
Belcher, LA, in 1962. Upon graduation, Mr. Stephens enlisted in the 
U.S. Air Force where he served our country honorably for 4 years. He 
married the former Ceatrice Williams and settled in Flint, MI, where he 
began his 30-year career at Buick Motor Division.
  Mr. Stephens' commitment and generosity are evidence by his 
involvement in numerous community organizations. Earl has been a member 
of Gospel Temple Baptist Church since 1969 and is currently cochairman 
of the Deacon Board. Earl's other affiliations include By-Laws 
Committee chairman of Unity for Justice, and treasurer and award 
chairperson for the Greater Flint Afro-American Hall of Fame. In 
addition, Earl has been active with the Boy Scouts of America, where he 
now serves as commissioner of the Norwegian District of the Tall Pine 
Council. In addition, Earl is a member of UAW Local 599 and holds the 
chairmanship of the Veterans Committee. Earl also serves as cochairman 
of the Credit Committee at Security Federal Credit Union. In all of 
these endeavors, Mr. Stephens has uplifted us all with his kind spirit, 
knowledge, and effective leadership.
  Mr. Stephens has held membership with the John W. Stevenson Lodge No. 
56 Prince Hall Affiliated since September 1988 and served as master in 
1995-96. He joined the Saginaw Valley Consistory No. 71 in 1989 and now 
serves as chancellor. In 1988, Mr. Stephens began his affiliation with 
the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. In each 
of these roles, Mr. Stephens has worked tirelessly to achieve the goal 
of equal opportunity for all. He has been a mentor and a counselor to 
many of our young people.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my fellow Members of Congress to join me 
in honoring the Illustrious Potentate, Mr. Earl Stephens. His devotion 
to making this Nation a better place to live should reinforce our 
strong commitment to our communities. We owe a debt of gratitude to 
Earl, his wife Ceatrice, and their two children, Latricia and Royce.

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