[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 12 (Tuesday, February 12, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E131]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO REV. DR. A. EDWARD DAVIS, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ROD R. BLAGOJEVICH

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 12, 2002

  Mr. BLAGOJEVICH. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to rise today to 
pay tribute to the Honorable Reverend Dr. A. Edward Davis, Jr., Pastor 
of St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago, Illinois. Pastor 
Davis preached his first sermon in 1969 and was called to the pastorate 
of St. John Missionary Baptist Church in 1976. Since that time, God, 
through him, has made and continues to make a difference in many lives.
  Under his leadership and vision, St. John's membership has grown to 
almost four thousand five hundred members. He preaches two Sunday 
services and is making preparations to build a new church building 
which will include an Educational Facility with a full-time Day Care 
Center. Over thirty-three years of untiring service, faithful 
dedication to the community and strong leadership have earned him the 
deserved respect and admiration of all whose lives he has touched.
  Pastor Davis has been instrumental in shaping the future of the 
community, state and country. I applaud his leadership and commend him 
for toiling so long to provide the type of guidance which has empowered 
so many to make meaningful contributions to the community. His 
accomplishments are far too numerous to list but I applaud him for each 
and every one of them and for having the dream and desire to use his 
faith as a vehicle to effect social, political and economic change. He 
is a true testament to his faith and an asset to our country. I commend 
Pastor A. Edward Davis and wish him many more years of exemplary 
service to the Lord.

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