[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 104 (Wednesday, July 21, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1617]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                     TRIBUTE TO REV. LEROY BELLAMY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. KAREN L. THURMAN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 21, 1999

  Mrs. THURMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Reverend Leroy 
Bellamy, a dear friend and senior pastor at Grace Temple Church of God 
in Floral City, FL.
  For 40 years, the Reverend Bellamy has touched the lives of many 
Citrus County residents through gospel and prayer. He has worked hard 
over the years to build trust in the community and to inspire his 
congregations. Achieving that was not always easy, but he followed his 
heart and answered his calling.
  Reverend Bellamy was the first minister of color in Citrus County to 
participate in interdenominational and inter-racial community religious 
and social activities. At a time when many residents believed separate 
was better, Reverend Bellamy challenged that notion and encouraged the 
community to worship and pray together.
  The annual sunrise Easter service in Citrus County is proof of 
Reverend Bellamy's commitment to racial tolerance.
  Each year, parishioners of different racial and ethnic backgrounds 
sit side by side in a packed stadium to listen to his inspiring 
sermons. The 86-year-old pastor prides himself on never having missed a 
sunrise service. The service is one of many ways this unassuming and 
humble man shows those around him that building bridges is God's answer 
to burning them. That working to bring people together--regardless of 
race, color, sex, religion or social class--is the right thing to do.
  The people of Citrus County have listened carefully over the years to 
Reverend Bellamy's wise words. As a special way to thank him, the 
community is hosting a ``Reverend Leroy Bellamy Day'' in his honor on 
July 31st.
  This is one of many times the pastor has been recognized for his 
service to the community. Reverend Bellamy and his late wife Priscilla 
were selected Citrus County's Family of the Year in 1992. He was also 
given a ``Key to the City'' in Inverness and lives on a road in 
Inverness bearing his name.
  As you can tell, we're very proud to have Reverend Bellamy in our 
community. He's the epitome of goodness and righteousness. He grew up 
in Florida during a time when economic depression and racial isolation 
made life hard for many people. But, as a young man, Reverend Bellamy 
followed God's path and shunned bitterness and anger.
  He often juggled several manual-labor jobs to provide for his 10 
children: Leroy Jr., Randolph, Lonnie, James, Clarence, Curtis, Bruce, 
Gilbert, Nina, and Lucille. In later years, he went to work for himself 
in the hog-farming business and prospered. He saved his earnings and 
sent several of his children to college--an opportunity that was not 
available to him.
  Like so many other upstanding Americans, Reverend Bellamy started 
within his own family to make life better for future generations. His 
grandson Patrick Thomas is a dedicated caseworker in one of my Florida 
district offices. Patrick says has grandfather always stressed upon his 
children and grandchildren, the importance of self-discipline, 
education and respect for oneself and others. Most of all, the Reverend 
Bellamy taught his children and parishioners to have faith and trust in 
God. This, the Reverend says, is the most important lesson. The lesson 
that shapes a lifetime. The lesson that opens Heaven's gates.
  Through his ministry, the Reverend Bellamy lifts the spirits of 
people in prisons, hospitals and nursing homes. He grieves with 
families at funerals, brings couples together in holy matrimony and 
celebrates life's simple pleasures at parades and other county 
festivities.
  We are forever grateful to the Reverend Bellamy for leading a life 
dedicated to God's work and for choosing to make Citrus County his 
home. His smile brings hope and joy to the troubled. His prayers 
strengthen wearied hearts. His words of comfort console those in need.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in paying tribute to the Reverend Leroy 
Bellamy, a man who credits his good life to his commitment to God. May 
Citrus County be blessed with the Rev. Bellamy's divine presence and 
spiritual leadership for many more years to come.

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