[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 54 (Wednesday, March 28, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E659]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RESOLUTION IN HONOR OF BISHOP GILBERT EARL PATTERSON--``BE HEALED, BE 
                      DELIVERED AND BE SET FREE''

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. CAROLYN C. KILPATRICK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 27, 2007

  Ms. KILPATRICK. Madam Speaker, such are the favorite words of 
proclamation that characterized the ministry thrust of presiding 
Bishop, Bishop Gilbert Earl Patterson, whom our Heavenly Father has 
seen fit to release from the cares of this life, and move from labor to 
reward. We must, in humble submission, yield to the infinite wisdom and 
divine will of God who does all things well.
  Whereas, Bishop G.E. Patterson was born of humble means in Humboldt, 
Tennessee to Bishop W.A. and Mrs. Mary Patterson on September 22, 1939. 
He grew up in Memphis, Tennessee before moving to Detroit, Michigan 
with his family in 1952 and preached his first sermon at age 17 and was 
ordained an Elder in the Church of God in Christ by Bishop John Seth 
Bailey in Detroit in 1958. Bishop Patterson moved back to Memphis in 
1961 to assist his father at Holy Temple Church of God in Christ and 
subsequently established a new congregation in 1975 named Temple of 
Deliverance, the Cathedral of Bountiful Blessings, in Memphis, 
Tennessee, and . . .
  Whereas, Bishop G.E. Patterson led Temple of Deliverance to outgrow 
its first church location within three years and built a new $1.2 
million 1,200-seat sanctuary to become the first church in Memphis, 
Tennessee to be built by black workers that cost more than a million 
dollars. Additionally, in 1999 Bishop Patterson's visionary leadership 
moved Temple of Deliverance to purchase a $13 million campus that 
featured a 5,000 seat worship center which now houses a membership of 
13,000 members, and . . .

  Whereas, Bishop G.E. Patterson rose to international prominence as 
the charismatic leader, Presiding Bishop and Chief Apostle of the 
Church of God in Christ and was instrumental in increasing the 
denomination membership ranks to more than 6.5 million members in 58 
countries, as well as overseeing a global media empire that included 
television, radio, internet, recording, and publishing divisions; time 
will not remove the treasures carried in so many hearts, nor dim the 
shining thoughts and memories that linger as a result of Bishop G.E. 
Patterson's humble spirit, sage counsel, visionary leadership, anointed 
preaching, and spirited worshipper of God, and . . .
  Whereas, we the Members of the Congressional Black Caucus extend our 
deepest expression of sympathy to the entire COGIC Denomination, may 
God's uplifting power carry each of you through your hour of 
bereavement.
  Therefore, be it resolved, that we Celebrate, Rejoice, Praise and 
Thank God for the example of Bishop Patterson's devoted and faithful 
life of ministry to humankind, his unselfish dedication as a world-wide 
spiritual leader to the saints everywhere, and especially within the 
Church of God in Christ.
  Be it further resolved that the Patterson family will remain in our 
thoughts and prayers with the reminder that Jesus, the Man of Sorrows, 
understands all that transpires in our frail, human lives.
  Be it finally resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to 
the family and a copy be placed in the records of the Church.

                          ____________________