[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 127 (Friday, October 8, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S10835]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            A TRIBUTE TO REV. DR. JOHN HERBERT SPENCER, SR.

 Mr. SHELBY. Mr. President, today I honor Rev. Dr. John Herbert 
Spencer, Sr. who passed away on October 1, 2004 at the age of 83. Dr. 
Spencer was a compassionate man whose selflessness and devotion to his 
faith, family and community will be remembered for generations.
  Dr. Spencer, a native of Greene County, AL, was born on December 7, 
1920, to Manuel and Annie Eatman Spencer. A graduate of the public 
schools in Greene County and Tuscaloosa, Dr. Spencer also attended 
Stillman College and Union Seminary. He became the pastor of Morning 
Star Baptist Church in Holt, AL in 1946 and remained at the church for 
58 years. His leadership and devotion to the church spurred tremendous 
growth, including a new sanctuary and increased congregation.
  He also preached at the following churches: Antioch Baptist Church in 
Hulls, AL, Hopewell Baptist Church in Lowndes County, Pleasant Green 
Baptist Church in Whitehall, New Mount Moriah Baptist Church in Tyler, 
and the Old Kingston Baptist Church in Prattville. Dr. Spencer also 
dedicated much of his time and energy to the National Baptist 
Convention, USA, Inc. and the Alabama Baptist State Convention, 
particularly as Missionary for the Northwest District since 1976 and 
locally as Record Secretary of the New Antioch Bethlehem District, 
NABD, Association and instructor in both the local and State Congress 
of Christian Education. He was the oldest and longest serving pastor in 
the NABD Association.
  Dr. Spencer's influence played a vital role in the completion of the 
NABD Association's Religious Center and the Science Building and 
Dinkins Hall at Selma University. He served as both Vice Chairman and 
Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Selma University and was 
instrumental in efforts to secure the school's accreditation. Honorary 
Doctorate Degrees from Selma University, Birmingham Baptist Bible 
College and Easonian Theological Seminary are among his numerous awards 
and citations for his contributions to Baptist work.
  Dr. Spencer married Lillian Brown Johnson in 1946, and they were the 
parents of eight children. He later married Kay Frances Turner in 1980, 
who survives him. He is also survived by his children: Rev. John H. 
Spencer, Jr. and his wife Debra; Rev. Simeon D. Spencer and wife 
Glynis; Dr. Marjorie Spencer Campbell and husband Willie, Lillian M. 
Spencer; Jannis M. Glover and husband Donald and Dr. Faye Spencer Maor 
and husband Terver. He is also survived by two step-sons: Dr. Otis S. 
Johnson and Paul L. Johnson and wife Angeline; twelve grandchildren, 
and one great granddaughter.
  Indeed, Dr. Spencer's willingness to share his faith had a positive 
impact on everyone with whom he came in contact. He will be missed by 
his family, friends, and the many lives he touched through his 
ministry.

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