[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 163 (Thursday, October 25, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S13436]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               IN HONOR OF REVEREND WALLACE S. HARTSFIELD

 Mrs. McCASKILL. Mr. President, I ask the Senate to join me 
today in honoring Rev. Dr. Wallace S. Hartsfield, a much-loved member 
of the Kansas City community. Reverend Hartsfield will soon retire 
after 40 years as the senior pastor of Metropolitan Missionary Baptist 
Church. He has served as Metropolitan's pastor since 1972 with the 
support of his wife Matilda and their four children. Prior to that, he 
held pastoral positions in South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and 
Kansas.
  Reverend Hartsfield's distinguished career in the ministry has 
touched thousands in Missouri. As the ambassador for his church, he has 
graced pulpits across the country bringing words of hope to the masses. 
He is a respected servant-leader of many organizations including the 
National Baptist Convention of America, Inc.; National Baptist 
Convention, USA; Congress of National Black Churches and the General 
Baptist State Convention of Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska.
  He has expanded his ministry as a community advocate. Reverend 
Hartsfield has spent much of his life speaking up for those whose 
voices are ignored on the subjects of civil rights, health care, 
education, crime and safety, and economic development. One of his 
bravest acts occurred in 1964 when five department stores in downtown 
Kansas City refused to allow African Americans to try on clothes, use 
the restrooms, drink at the water fountains, or eat at the lunch 
counters. Reverend Hartsfield organized a boycott and marched on the 
stores. Eventually African Americans were allowed to patronize these 
stores but it was not without the personal intervention of this 
inspirational leader.
  His service has afforded him a seat at many tables where he has 
proven to be a skillful diplomat and a cunning negotiator. Reverend 
Hartsfield has worked on countless boards including those of the Jazz 
District Redevelopment Corporation, Greater Kansas City Community 
Foundation, Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission, and Kansas 
City Interfaith Council.
  Reverend Hartsfield has a bachelor's degree in elementary education 
and minor degrees in religion and psychology from Clark College in 
Atlanta, GA. He also holds a bachelor and master of divinity from 
Gammon Theological Seminary in Atlanta. Dr. Hartsfield has served as an 
adjunct professor and guest lecturer at numerous colleges and 
universities across the Nation.
  Reverend Hartsfield has been a mentor to many, from pastors to 
politicians. He continues to provide wise counsel to those who want to 
make a difference in the world. He also has the ability to identify 
hidden treasures in those who have not been afforded an opportunity to 
thrive. This precious gift has been the catalyst for many to realize 
their dreams.
  For 40 years, the members of Metropolitan have been blessed to have 
this powerful leader at the helm. Reverend Hartsfield has worked hard 
and he has earned the opportunity to step back. However, we know his 
work is not yet done. He will continue shaping lives, communities and 
destinies for years to come.
  During one of the many times he was honored for his good works it was 
said:

       Wallace Hartsfield does battle with all the dark forces 
     that would keep us from knowing and loving one another. With 
     his Bible and his passion for justice and his rock-ribbed 
     integrity, Reverend Wallace Hartsfield leads us to the high 
     moral ground where all God's children sit down together as 
     family at the table of peace and delight.

  No truer words could be spoken.

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