[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 159 (Wednesday, November 5, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2242-E2243]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      REVEREND DR. AVERY ALDRIDGE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 5, 2003

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to pay homage to a 
very dear friend of mine, Reverend Dr. Avery Aldridge. Reverend 
Aldridge passed away in his sleep at his residence in Flint, Michigan 
on Saturday, November 1, 2003 at the age of 78. I am deeply saddened by 
this great loss, for Reverend Aldridge was an inspiring and positive 
force for Genesee County, the State and Nation. He was a true friend 
and advisor. I will miss him greatly.
  Dr. Avery Aldridge was born on February 9, 1925 in Widener, Arkansas. 
He organized The Foss Avenue Baptist Church, located at 1159 E. Foss 
Avenue, Flint, Michigan on December 2, 1956. Under his leadership Foss 
Avenue Baptist Church has organized 50 auxiliaries and committees to 
carry out the work of the Lord. Dr. Aldridge also founded several 
enterprises to serve the membership and community. Those enterprises 
are the Foss Avenue Dairy Queen, Foss Avenue Free Clothing Center, Foss 
Avenue Federal Credit Union, Avery Aldridge Family Life Center, which 
was the first of its kind to be opened in Flint, and the Foss Avenue 
Christian School of Elementary and Secondary Education. The Church's 
current facilities and enterprises are valued at over $3 million. 
Through Dr. Aldridge's leadership, Foss Avenue Baptist Church has grown 
to be a tremendously influential Church in Genesee County. One of the 
greatest blessings of being a father is to know that your children turn 
out well. Dr. Aldridge has that blessing. On February 10, 2002, Dr. 
Aldridge installed his son, Reverend Derek Aldridge, as the new Pastor 
of Foss Avenue Baptist Church.
  Dr. Aldridge made his mark in history when he became involved in the 
civil rights movement of the 1960's. His no nonsense and non-violent 
approach helped to calm the tension in the City of Flint, after the 
1967 rioting in Detroit. Dr. Aldridge was the voice of the community. 
He fought for better education and work opportunities, not only for the 
African Americans, but also for all people. Dr. Aldridge from that 
moment forward was revered as the Civil Rights Leader for Genesee 
County. In 1969, he founded the Concerned Pastors for Social Action 
(CPSA) to rid the community of local institutional racism, and to 
improve the relationship between the community and the police.

[[Page E2243]]

The CPSA has worked hard to ensure that the voice of the people is 
heard loud and clear among those wanting to hold public office. Because 
of the work of the CPSA, political candidates and elected officials 
have become more sensitive to the needs of the people. During the early 
1980's, Dr. Aldridge led the petition to have Detroit Street, located 
in the inner city of Flint, renamed to Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. 
Blvd. Dr. Aldridge stated that the renamed Street would serve as ``a 
role model for youngsters in the inner city.'' The change was approved 
by City Council in 1987. Dr. Aldridge remained President of the CPSA 
until 1999, when he had to resign due to illness.
  Dr. Aldridge during his life held several leadership roles within the 
Church community. He served as President of the Wolverine State 
Congress of Christian Education and Convention Coordinator for the 
National Baptist Convention for 25 years. He was Vice President and 
Director General of the National Baptist Congress for 4 years, and he 
also served on the Board of Directors for the National Baptist 
Convention, USA, Inc., and the Sunday School Publishing Board, 
Nashville, Tennessee. He was also a member of the Todd Philips 
Children's Home Board of Directors--Detroit, Mott Children's Health 
Center, Michigan National Bank, Flint Housing Commission Board of 
Directors, Advisory Board of the Flint Goodwill Industries, 
Professional Advisory Board Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, Board of 
Directors Girl Scout Council and of the Boy Scouts of America, and as a 
Commissioner on the National Holiday for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 
Board. Dr. Aldridge also held the position of Instructor and Member of 
the Baptist Ministers Alliance.
  Mr. Speaker, Dr. Aldridge leaves to cherish and carry on his legacy 
his beautiful and devoted wife of 54 years, Dr. Mildred Aldridge, his 
son, Reverend Derek Aldridge, his daughter, Karen Aldridge-Eason, and 
nine grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in 
offering condolences to the family of Dr. Avery Aldridge, and in 
thanking them for sharing Dr. Aldridge with our community.
  Mr. Speaker, my message to his congregation and all of our community 
is as follows.

       ``Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek 
     and humble in heart.'' [Matthew 11:291
       It takes a strong person to be meek, a strong person to be 
     in charge of his passions and emotions.
       Reverend Avery Aldridge was such a person.
       He was strong in his love of God.
       He was strong in his love of the Church.
       He was strong in his love of family.
       He was strong in his pursuit of justice.
       He was strong in his effort to eliminate injustice.
       And all this deep strength, he exercised humbly, as an 
     instrument of God's Holy Will.
       Because of Dr. Aldridge's strength, anchored in humility 
     and meekness, this community is a better community.
       This Church is a stronger representation of the Mystical 
     Body of Christ.
       All of us here in this Church are better people because of 
     that strength of faith and action of Doctor Avery Aldridge.
       The greatest tribute we can render to Dr. Avery Aldridge is 
     to emulate
       his love,
       his dedication,
       his humility, and
       his Christ centered strength.
       Dr. Aldridge, as a triumphant member of the Communion of 
     Saints, please ask Almighty God to shower His Blessings upon 
     us that we might use our strength to carry out God's Holy 
     Will.

                          ____________________