[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 145 (Friday, October 24, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2076-E2077]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


COMMENDING PASTOR JAMES ANDERSON ON HIS RETIREMENT AND 39TH ANNIVERSARY 
                              AS A PASTOR

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 23, 1997

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to commend Pastor 
James Alexander Anderson on the momentous occasion of his retirement 
and 39th anniversary as a pastor. A week-long retirement and 
anniversary celebration for Pastor Anderson, given by the Washington 
Street Church of God parishioners, will take place form October 26, 
1997 to November 2, 1997. The celebration will include a program of 
revival ministers throughout the week, who will offer remarks on Pastor 
Anderson's distinguished career. The festivities will conclude with a 
banquet at Marquette Park Pavilion in Gary, IN, on Sunday, November 2, 
1997.
  Pastor Anderson received his calling in 1947, upon returning to Gary, 
IN, from his service with the U.S. Army. During a revival meeting, 
without hesitation, he accepted his summons with a resolute commitment 
to fulfill and carry out his mission to preach. Although Pastor 
Anderson had initially planned to attend college and pursue a medical 
career, he fully embraced his new challenges as a spiritual healer and 
guide. His first pastorship was in Muncie, IN, where he remained for 
over a year. In 1957, Pastor Anderson was selected as pastor of the 
Washington Street Church of God, where he has faithfully served in this 
capacity since then. Throughout his career, Pastor Anderson has 
demonstrated his commitment to being an effective and instrumental 
leader through his diligent pursuit of a greater understanding of 
scripture and the ministry. Over the years, Pastor Anderson attended 
such institutions as Anderson College and Anderson College Seminary in 
Anderson, IN, and the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, IL.
  Over the years, Pastor Anderson has made numerous contributions to 
his congregation, as well as to the surrounding community. Perhaps his 
most noteworthy accomplishment was his founding of a homeless shelter 
in 1984. Pastor Anderson led the Washington Street Church of God 
congregation in undertaking the challenging task of renovating a 
church-owned building into the Brother's Keeper Homeless Shelter. Had 
it not been for Pastor Anderson's leadership and ambition, many 
individuals in the city of Gary would be left without lodging over an 
extended period of time. Pastor Anderson has also devoted much of his 
time to assisting various church-affiliated organizations. For 13 
years, he served as a member of the missionary board of the Church of 
God in Anderson, IN. He was also a member of the Interfaith Clergy 
Council of Gary and vicinity, and the credentials and ordination 
committee in Indianapolis, IN. Pastor Anderson is also the former dean 
of the Sunday School Superintendents and Teachers Council of Gary, and 
for 10 years, he was treasurer of the General Ministerial Assembly of 
the National Association of the Church of God in West Middlesex, PA.
  Pastor Anderson's retirement and anniversary is of special importance 
to the Washington Street Church of God family, as the occasion serves 
as a unique opportunity to celebrate the valiant leadership, 
commitment, and selflessness that have characterized his service to the 
congregation and to the community at-large. During this special time, 
the congregation will remember Pastor Anderson's steadfast will and 
determination to complete his mission, which motivated him to 
successfully recover from a severe stroke in 1988. Above all, Pastor 
Anderson will be remembered for doing many good things for a wide 
variety of people, without seeking credit for his accomplishments.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join 
me in congratulating James Alexander Anderson on the event

[[Page E2077]]

of his retirement and 39th anniversary as a pastor. His wife, Hardina 
Anderson, can be proud of her husband's ministry, as his dedication to 
his church and to his community serves as an inspiration to us all.

                          ____________________