[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 176 (Wednesday, November 19, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2251-E2252]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING REVEREND DR. J. ALFRED SMITH, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 19, 2008

  Ms. LEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today with my colleague, Congressman 
Pete Stark, to honor the extraordinary life accomplishments of the 
Reverend Dr. J. Alfred Smith, Sr. He is a leader, teacher, spiritual 
guide, and inspiration to all who know him. Pastor Smith will be 
retiring this year from his position as Senior Pastor at Allen Temple 
Baptist Church in Oakland, California.
  Pastor Smith has led this church and our community for 40 years. In 
that time he has positively influenced countless lives and left an 
indelible mark. It is without doubt that his legacy will continue to 
inspire people and promote the strong ideals and unwavering humanity 
Pastor Smith has always stood for.
  Throughout his life and tenure as Senior Pastor, Dr. Smith championed 
the causes of the poor and the disenfranchised. Through his many 
publications, interviews, and sermons, Dr. Smith reminded us everyday 
of our human obligation and the standards of dignity, charity, and 
common love that we must all live by. In the Greater Bay Area, he also 
spearheaded groundbreaking programs to reach out to those most in need 
and assist them in their struggles. He is an individual who never 
failed to practice what he preached, and who has used his own life as 
an example with grace, humility, and an unsurpassable kindness and 
empathy for others.
  The ministries and message of Dr. J. Alfred Smith, Sr. has made an 
impact locally, nationally, and internationally. From testifying before 
the United Nations in New York City in 1989 against the apartheid 
government in South Africa to securing affordable housing for seniors, 
he has dedicated his career to promoting peace and equality. His work 
has inspired and uplifted people from all faiths and backgrounds to 
dedicate their lives to this same noble pursuit.
  This is Dr. Smith's true gift to us all--the gift of positive 
influence. He has inspired our leaders and our children to carry on the 
difficult fight for justice in a way that is both compassionate and 
relentless.
  Through the many programs for youth that he has created and 
supported, Dr. Smith has invested himself fully in the education of the

[[Page E2252]]

next generations. By doing this, he has created irreplaceable 
opportunities which would not have existed for these children without 
him. By remaining personally involved in their experiences and 
progress, he has empowered them to believe in the importance of their 
own efforts and to commit themselves to carrying others up behind him, 
as he has done for so many years. Dr. Smith has shown our community 
that we can live our lives with eloquence, devotion, and with a deep 
respect for all of God's children.
  In Pastor Smith's retirement years, it is certain that he and his 
brilliant and beautiful wife, the Reverend Bernestine Farley-Smith, 
will continue to contribute to our society immensely and spread the 
benefits of their many collective years of experience by serving their 
community, enjoying their family, and most importantly walking and 
talking with God.
  Today, the residents of California's 9th and 13th Congressional 
Districts join with the members of Allen Temple Baptist Church, its 
community allies, fellow congregations, and Pastor Smith's loving 
family to celebrate his years of service and wish him a most happy and 
fruitful retirement. Our sincere gratitude goes out to Dr. Smith's 
three sons, two daughters, fourteen grandchildren and seven great-
grandchildren for sharing this visionary leader and wonderful human 
being with us. We are all better people for having had the blessing of 
this man's friendship and guidance. May he and his wife rejoice and 
enjoy their time together for many happy years to come.

                          ____________________