[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 44 (Thursday, April 18, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E592]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING REVEREND ROBERT R. BLYTHE FOR HIS SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ERNIE FLETCHER

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 18, 2002

  Mr. FLETCHER. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor Reverend Robert R. 
Blythe for his life-long commitment to the educational and spiritual 
development of residents in Richmond, Kentucky and the surrounding 
communities.
  Born and raised in Richmond, Reverend Blythe is a shining product of 
the local public school system. He was educated in the Richmond School 
System before earning his bachelor's degree in math education at 
Eastern Kentucky University, where he was elected President of the 
class of 1971.
  Following graduation, he went home to the local school system to 
begin his distinguished teaching career. He was named the Jaycees 
Outstanding Young Educator in 1974, and he received the Jaycees 
Outstanding Young Man of America Award in both 1978 and in 1985.
  In 1981, Reverend Blythe joined the First Baptist Church in Richmond 
as their Pastor; he was a worthy shepherd to lead the local flock. In 
1986, he received his Master of Divinity with Pastoral Emphasis from 
the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky.
  Reverend Blythe taught at Madison High School in Richmond and at 
Madison Southern High School in Berea as a mathematics and French 
instructor. He continues to educate Kentucky's future as a mathematics 
instructor at his alma mater, Eastern Kentucky University.
  Reverend Blythe has had a significant impact on the Richmond 
community and its residents. He has served on the Kentucky Human Rights 
Commission, the Youth Leadership Madison County Advisory Committee and 
the Governor's Health Care Data Commission. He continues to serve as 
the President of the Madison County Branch of the NAACP.
  Mr. Speaker, Reverend Blythe represents what is right about America. 
He demonstrates a willingness to sacrifice his own needs to foster and 
improve the lives of others. I am convinced that the lives of Central 
Kentucky residents have been and will continue to be blessed by 
Reverend Blythe's presence. I ask my colleagues to join me in 
congratulating Reverend Blythe for his twenty years of service at the 
First Baptist Church and for his life-long service to the residents of 
Richmond, Kentucky.