[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 178 (Thursday, December 20, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2411]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


  TRIBUTE TO BISHOP SAMUEL C. MADISON ON THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 
     UNITED HOUSE OF PRAYER FOR ALL PEOPLE'S CONVOCATION, HIS 61ST 
  ANNIVERSARY AS MINISTER, AND 10TH ANNIVERSARY AS BISHOP AND CHURCH 
                                 LEADER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MELVIN L. WATT

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 20, 2001

  Mr. WATT of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an 
exemplary leader, Bishop S.C. Madison, who is celebrating the 75th 
anniversary of the United House of Prayer for All People's Convocation, 
his 61st anniversary as minister and his 10th anniversary as bishop of 
the United House of Prayer. Bishop Madison is an exceptional leader who 
has championed the causes of eliminating poverty, inadequate and 
unaffordable housing, unemployment, illiteracy, economic disparities 
and spiritual depravation. The magnitude, depth and substance of his 
contributions to improve human welfare and social reform have brought 
him national acclaim.
  The leadership of Bishop C.M. Grace, Bishop W. McCollough and Bishop 
S.C. Madison has had a positive impact on the growth of the United 
House of Prayer since its earliest existence in tents and storefront 
locations. Currently, under the leadership of Bishop Madison, there has 
been expansion to 135 congregations in 26 states. The church's massive, 
nationwide building program has resulted in construction of over 800 
units of low and moderate income housing. These housing complexes are 
located in New Haven, CT; Washington, DC; Norfolk, VA; Charlotte, NC; 
Augusta, GA; Savannah, GA; and Los Angeles, CA. More than 100 units 
have been developed for senior citizens.
  The extraordinary success of Bishop Madison has led to numerous 
honors and awards from national, state, and local organizations. 
Academic institutions have presented honorary degrees to him 
acknowledging his outstanding achievements in helping to overcome 
deplorable conditions that plagued people and cities. He has received 
Doctor of Humane Letters from the Saturday College of Washington, DC 
and Bowie State University of Bowie, MD.
  Bishop Madison continues to demonstrate outstanding leadership, 
dispense an abundance of love and philanthropy and support causes for 
young people and the elderly. Bishop Madison's ministry promotes higher 
education, exercises business acumen, improves the spiritual fiber of 
society and maintains the United House of Prayer as a beacon of light 
for those who need inspiration and a safe haven from the harsh 
realities of life.
  It is my pleasure to stand before the House to pay tribute to Bishop 
S.C. Madison as he marks 61 years in the ministry and 10 years of 
service as the outstanding role model and leader of the United House of 
Prayer for all people.

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