[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 155 (Tuesday, December 6, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2442]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE LIFE OF REVEREND LEANDER WILKES

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. LOIS CAPPS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 6, 2005

  Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the life of Reverend 
Leander Wilkes, who passed away on November 24, 2005.
  Leander Wilkes, the youngest of eight children, was born on September 
20, 1924 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas to Jackson and Lillie Wilkes. After 
receiving his education in Arkansas and Ohio, he took a position with 
the government. In 1942 he met and later wed, Thelma Benson. To this 
union, five children were born, Deidre Gail, Lucy Naomi, Leonard Bruce, 
Jamaal Keith, and Leo Benson. He was ordained a Minister in Oakland, 
California in 1952. Subsequently, he was called to Ventura, California 
where he served as Pastor at Olivet Baptist Church for ten years. He 
moved to Second Baptist Church of Santa Barbara, California in 1969 and 
remained here for 35 years. Reverend Wilkes retired in July of 2004 and 
became the Pastor Emeritus of Second Baptist Church.
  Reverend Wilkes was a lecturer in the Department of Black Studies at 
the University of California, Santa Barbara. He enjoyed reading and 
researching Egyptology along with other ancient religions and 
philosophies. Reverend Wilkes was also an avid traveler, and fan of 
western television shows and movies. An excellent cook, he enjoyed 
preparing his specialties, gumbo and barbecue, at family gatherings. 
Reverend Wilkes was an active leader in our community who touched the 
lives of countless people. Family and friends will remember him for his 
integrity, wisdom and compassion.
  I have known Reverend Wilkes for many years and remember fondly when 
he accompanied my late husband, Congressman Walter Capps, to 
Washington, DC in 1997, where he led the House of Representatives in 
prayer. Reverend Wilkes was a dedicated husband, father, and servant to 
his church community and the Santa Barbara community as a whole. His 
longtime service to residents of the Central Coast deserves to be 
recognized and celebrated. I feel privileged to have known Reverend 
Leander Wilkes.

                          ____________________