[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 134 (Friday, October 11, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1829-E1830]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            IN RECOGNITION OF REVEREND C.C. CAMPBELL GILLON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN BENTSEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 10, 2002

  Mr. BENTSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Reverend C.C. Campbell 
Gillon, on the occasion of his retirement from his pastoral duties at 
the Presbyterian Congregation in Georgetown located in Washington, 
D.C., where he has faithfully served his congregation for more than 23 
years. His retirement comes at the end of fifty years in the ministry.
  The Presbyterian Congregation in Georgetown has over two hundred 
years of distinguished history, beginning in 1780, under the eminent 
Stephen Bloomer Balch, pupil of religious leader John Witherspoon and 
soldier of the Revolution. The church serves as the first Presbyterian 
Church in what was to become modern-day Washington, D.C., and the 
oldest church of any denomination with an unbroken ministry. A rare 
charter, still in effect, was granted in 1806 to ``the Presbyterian 
Congregation in George Town'' by an act of Congress signed by President 
Thomas Jefferson. The Presbyterian Congregation in Georgetown, 
pioneered in both the religious and cultural life of the community, has 
served as a cornerstone of faith in our nation's capital, attracting a 
wide variety of worshipers from political leaders to those seeking 
spiritual direction.

[[Page E1830]]

  Rev. Campbell Gillon was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, into a family 
immersed in the Christian spirit. Both his father and uncles preceded 
him as ministers of the Church of Scotland. After three years of Army 
service at the end of World War II, he graduated with a Master of Arts 
degree from the University of Glasgow before studying theology at 
Trinity College, Glasgow, under the tutelage of Professor William 
Barclay, the noted Scottish New Testament scholar. In 1952, Rev. Gillon 
began an exceptional career that has spanned 50 years, with his first 
appointment to the historic Buittle Parish in southwest Scotland. The 
rest of his 27-year ministry in the Church of Scotland was spent in 
Glasgow, where he presided over the Milton Saint Stephen's Church. 
Under his extraordinary leadership, Rev. Gillon's beloved church was 
united with the noted Renfield Church Center, and was expanded to 
include a public restaurant, concert hall, and other community oriented 
facilities. In 1978, Rev. Gillon and his wife Audrey visited the 
Presbyterian Congregation in Georgetown on a six-week work exchange, 
not knowing how their lives would forever be changed. Soon after his 
short stay, he returned to his 800-year old parish, the prestigious 
Cathcart Old Parish, only to receive a call from the Presbyterian 
Congregation in Georgetown with an offer to join their church family as 
the senior minister.
  Rev. Gillon has earned a reputation of being one of the most 
thoughtful and provocative interpreters of Christian experience, and 
has shared his insight and experiences with those who seek knowledge 
and guidance. He has published, Words of Trust, a book of sermons 
produced in both the United States and the United Kingdom. As a 
testament to his leadership and wisdom, excerpts from Rev. Gillon's 
sermons have been featured in newspapers, magazines, and Christian 
publications around the world.
  While Rev. Gillon's religious and spiritual obligations to his 
growing congregation have always been paramount, as a community leader, 
he has shared his faith and free time as Chaplain of the Saint Andrew's 
Society of Washington, D.C., a charitable and social organization of 
men of Scottish birth or ancestry.
  Mr. Speaker, at a time when our nation and many across the world were 
seeking explanations and direction following the horrific attacks of 
September 11th, terrorism, and war, Rev. Gillon provided comfort after 
the storm with his prayer before the House of Representatives and a 
moving sermon before his congregation. He reminded us that suffering is 
only temporary, and God's love is forever. Deeply rooted in the 
traditions of Scotland and the Scottish preachers that preceded him, 
Rev. Gillon has dedicated himself to the principles of the Presbyterian 
faith, his congregation and his family.
  In his own words, Rev. Gillon captured the sentiments of the entire 
congregation, ``never does the heart wish a good relationship to end.'' 
I want to thank Campbell for his leadership, spiritual guidance and 
devotion to the Presbyterian Congregation in Georgetown, the 
Washington, D.C. community, and the many lives he and his wife Audrey 
have touched throughout his career. He leaves a legacy of good work and 
grace that will be missed.

                          ____________________