[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 92 (Thursday, June 18, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1496]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


TRIBUTE TO BISHOP EUSTACE S. CLARKE AND MIAMI RIDGEWAY CHURCH OF GOD OF 
                                PROPHECY

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                         HON. KENDRICK B. MEEK

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 18, 2009

  Mr. MEEK of Florida. Madam Speaker, today I rise to congratulate 
Bishop Eustace S. Clarke and the members of Miami Ridgeway Church of 
God of Prophecy on their new sanctuary. Bishop Clarke led his 
congregation in celebrating the achievement of this beloved church, 
which has become a citadel of faith in the Miami-Dade County community.
  In 1922, Miami Ridgeway Church of God of Prophecy began in a small 
community called Nazarene in the Northeast area of Miami, Florida. 
Their first pastor was the late Evangelist Andrew Bullard. He was then 
succeeded by the late Bishop J.R. Smith who served as pastor until 
1930. During the mid-1930s, Brother Ed Rolle served as pastor until the 
late Bishop J.R. Smith returned and served again until 1939. Other 
pastors throughout the history of Miami Ridgeway Church of God of 
Prophecy include: the late Brother Hermis Ferguson, late Bishop Henry 
Curtis, late Bishop Theophilus Hunter, late Bishop J.D. Williams, 
Bishop R.B. Davis, and Bishop George H. Knowles.
  In 1983, Bishop Eustace S. Clarke, the present pastor, joined the 
Church's family. A Jamaican native, Bishop Clarke came to the United 
States as a migrant worker for the Belle Glade, Florida Sugar Cane 
Corporation. Bishop Clarke married his wife, Mrs. Emily Clarke on March 
25, 1962. After nearly 47 years of marital bliss, Bishop Clarke and his 
wife are blessed with 14 children. Bishop Clarke has remained the 
pastor for the past 26 years.
  While serving at Miami Ridgeway Church of God of Prophecy, in 1999 
Bishop Clarke began to follow through with his vision for a larger 
sanctuary. Groundbreaking for this endeavor began in 2000. Though there 
were many obstacles and unforeseen delays, the Church will now dedicate 
their completed ``House for God'' on June 28, 2009.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in applauding and congratulating Bishop 
Eustace S. Clarke and the members of Miami Ridgeway Church of God of 
Prophecy on their new sanctuary. Miami Ridgeway Church of God of 
Prophecy has been dedicated to providing spirituality, service and 
guidance to the Church and greater community of South Florida. It is my 
hope that Miami Ridgeway Church of God of Prophecy continues to stand 
as a beacon of resolve, inspiration and worship for many years to come.

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