[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 70 (Thursday, May 7, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1091]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING REVEREND DR. LeROY SHELTON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 7, 2009

  Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, it is with great sadness that I arise 
today and pay tribute to the life of Reverend Dr. LeRoy Shelton. Dr. 
Shelton passed away suddenly on Monday, May 4th. The Flint community 
has lost one of its greatest leaders and I have lost a dear friend. His 
funeral is scheduled for Tuesday, May 12th at Christ Fellowship 
Missionary Baptist Church in Flint.
  Dr. Shelton became the pastor of Christ Fellowship Missionary Baptist 
Church in 1987. During this time the congregation grew in numbers and 
strength. A committed member of Concerned Pastors for Social Change, he 
was a vocal activist for those in need. He understood the challenges 
faced by individuals and advocated at all levels of government to 
improve the lives of our citizens. He served as a delegate to the 1992 
Democratic Convention and attended the Inauguration of Bill Clinton to 
the Presidency. In 1995 President Clinton invited Dr. Shelton to dinner 
at the White House.
  He viewed his political involvement as an extension of his ministry 
to be Christ's representative in a needy world. His love and concern 
for others knew no bounds. Dr. Shelton loved his congregation and they 
loved him. He said about being the pastor of Christ Fellowship 
Missionary Baptist Church:

       To have shared twenty-three years in the life of the 80 
     years of this church . . . Canaan to Christ Fellowship 
     Missionary Baptist Church. In the interim before my pastoring 
     began, I was impressed with the commitment, dedication, and 
     love the members demonstrated towards one another. My mentor, 
     the late Alfred L.C. Robbs afforded me every opportunity to 
     grow, develop, and above all study formally to prepare myself 
     spiritually.
       Fortunately, I earned the opportunity to become his 
     successor. Realizing that no one can ever fill the shoes of 
     anyone, not even by following in the path trod before, the 
     congregation enveloped me and has worked with me in a 
     Christian manner. In the midst of hills and valleys, there 
     has been much love. As great as the past has been, we have 
     not ceased. We are striving to make the next years a journey 
     upon which our Lord will be able to place a stamp of approval 
     and say: ``Well done, my good and faithful servants.'' It is 
     our hope that you will have an opportunity to visit our 
     church, ``Where Christian Fellowship Is Real.''

  Madam Speaker, Reverend Dr. LeRoy Shelton has traveled home to be 
with Our Lord, Jesus Christ. During his time with us, Dr. Shelton 
touched lives, healed spirits, empowered the poor, and brought Christ's 
abundance to disheartened. He traveled the road to salvation with many 
people. My life is better for having known him and I share in the 
sorrow felt by the Christ Fellowship family. My condolences go out to 
his wife, Claudia, his children and to the members of Christ 
Fellowship. Dr. Shelton was a truly great Christian. I ask the House of 
Representatives to stand with me and applaud the life, charity and 
legacy of Reverend Dr. LeRoy Shelton.

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