[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 40 (Friday, April 12, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E516]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING JESSE LONG, FOUNDER, GREATER ATLANTA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. BOB BARR

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 11, 2002

  Mr. BARR of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, there are many qualities possessed 
by a true leader: determination, organization, and commitment. Many 
people possess these characteristics, but a successful leader must also 
be compassionate, caring, and humble. A true leader must be able to 
understand there is a greater cause far beyond that of recognition and 
praise, and that the goal is set for the betterment of others.
  My fellow members of Congress, I would like to inform you of the 
great accomplishments of Jesse Long, founder of Greater Atlanta 
Christian School. Just recently, Jesse Long gathered with community 
leaders, to celebrate the successes and achievements of the school he 
established. Mr. Long dedicated much of his life to establishing an 
institution that would not only prepare students academically, but also 
provide them with a firm foundation of values and morals based on 
Christian teachings.
  Jesse Long, a native of Tennessee, attended Dasher Bible School in 
Valdosta, Georgia. After graduating, he served as pastor in various 
churches throughout the state. Now 69 years old, happily married, and 
with five children and 12 grandchildren of his own, Long now serves as 
the Chancellor of Greater Atlanta Christian School. Outside the school, 
Mr. Long continues to serve his community as an elder of The Campus 
Church and through his involvement in Atlanta Inner-city Ministries.
  For 30 years, Jesse served as President of the school, constantly 
pushing it to higher levels of achievement and growth. The school was 
his dream; kept close to his heart. He began to put his dream into 
motion in the early 1960's when he purchased a piece of farmland in 
Gwinnett County, northeast of Atlanta. Although it was doubtful a 
credible school could be established and operated in what was then 
rural countryside northeast of Atlanta, Long persevered doing what God 
desired for him. In 1968 his vision was fulfilled; the school opened 
with 150 students enrolled and a staff of six. At that time, it was 
difficult to imagine only 40 years later the school would be located on 
a four-lane highway, with over 1,600 students, and the third largest 
private school in the state.
  Jesse not only provided a Christian environment for his students, but 
also offered a quality education. The school has been locally and 
nationally recognized; and the students consistently rank academically 
above the averages of a majority of state and private schools.
  The school has been a labor of love for Jesse. He built the facility 
from the ground up through hard work and an unshakeable faith in God. 
The impact he has made on the community and generations of young people 
is immeasurable, and will be remembered for generations into the 
future.
  Jesse Long is one man God used to do great things. Through Jesse 
Long's resolve and hard work, and with God's constant guidance, Greater 
Atlanta Christian School is consistently recognized as one of the best 
schools in the southeast. I not only want to recognize Jesse for the 
education he has given thousands, but distinguish him from many other 
educators, for his selflessness and incredible humility. He 
demonstrates, on a daily basis, a life of virtue that is an example for 
all. Please join me in congratulating Jesse Long for the amazing things 
he and our Lord have accomplished for our young people.

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