[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 12 (Tuesday, February 12, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E135]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                     TRIBUTE TO REVEREND J.C. CURRY

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                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 12, 2002

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a great man, 
Reverend J.C. Curry. Reverend Curry passed away last Thursday in Flint, 
Michigan. I am deeply saddened by this event as Reverend Curry was a 
dear friend. I will miss his guidance, wisdom and joy.
  Reverend Doctor Curry was the Pastor of Macedonia Missionary Baptist 
Church for forty years but his influence extended beyond the walls of 
the church. He saw every person as a mirror of God and he responded 
with love and kindness to all. He worked tirelessly to improve Flint. 
Through his efforts Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church is a vital and 
vibrant force in the community. Reverend Curry opened doors and invited 
all persons to join him in spirit filled worship of Jesus Christ.
  From his humble beginnings in DeKalb, Mississippi, Reverend Curry 
began working at the age of eight to support his mother and 11 brothers 
and sisters. Adversity only fueled his drive to succeed. For four years 
he served as a minister during World War II. He moved to Flint, earning 
his high school diploma and working for General Motors for 10 years. He 
became a full-time pastor and a cherished inspiration to all that knew 
him.
  Reverend Curry epitomized the teachings of Christ contained in 
Matthew Chapter 6 Verse 3, ``But when you do a charitable deed, do not 
let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.'' Even though 
recognition did find him, Reverend Curry worked to reflect the glory of 
God, not for worldly praise. From the small act of giving a dime to 
strangers so they could call loved ones or the large act of bringing 
the words of Jesus Christ to the homebound via WFLT-AM, Reverend Curry 
sought to demonstrate the compassion and jubilation of Christians. He 
was a kind, considerate man, always thinking of others before himself.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in 
offering condolences to his son, Josiah, and his daughters, Patricia, 
Louella, and Ondria, his grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and 
nephews. The Flint community has lost one of its cornerstones with 
Reverend Curry's death. I will mourn his passing.

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