[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 157 (Thursday, December 8, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2494]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING RICHARD GORDON ON HIS RETIREMENT

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                            HON. BART GORDON

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 8, 2005

  Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Rev. Richard Gordon 
for his 43 years of service to First Baptist Church in Murfreesboro, 
Tennessee.
  Since he became involved with First Baptist in 1962, Rev. Gordon has 
helped the church grow as Rutherford County has grown. After four 
decades as pastor of First Baptist, Rev. Gordon is now teaching the 
children and grandchildren of some of the first people he taught there. 
But Rev. Gordon will give his last sermon to the congregation on 
Christmas Day.
  Rev. Gordon's compassion extends beyond the church and into the 
community. He serves on the Murfreesboro Affordable Housing Advisory 
Board and Rutherford County Guidance Center Board. In addition, he has 
been involved with many national organizations, such as the NAACP, the 
United Ministerial Alliance and the National Baptist Congress.
  In 1967, I attended one of Rev. Gordon's services for the first time. 
I know firsthand that his leadership and dedication will be deeply 
missed by his congregation. I also have a feeling that his service to 
the community will not end with his retirement. As Rev. Gordon says, 
``You don't retire from the ministry.''
  I commend Rev. Gordon for his 43 years with First Baptist Church. And 
I wish him all the best in his retirement.

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