[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 98 (Friday, June 26, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1622-E1623]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO REVEREND DR. DAVID GORDON PERSONS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 26, 2009

  Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Reverend Doctor 
David Gordon Persons on the occasion of his retirement from Wayside 
Presbyterian Church after thirty three years of leadership. It is my 
pleasure to recognize Reverend Dr. Persons and acknowledge him as an 
influential role model in the Western New York area.
  Reverend Dr. Persons' leadership abilities were apparent at an early 
age. As a student of Sherman High School, he was lettered in both 
basketball and track and he was a member of the Top Math Team to 
represent Western New York at Boys Town. Upon graduating from Sherman 
High School in 1961, he received the American Legion Citizen of the 
Year award.
  Reverend Dr. Persons' commitment to the Western New York community is 
evident by his leadership, devotion and dedication to the people in our 
community. His community service extended to the Lake Shore Volunteer 
Fire Department, where he served as Chaplain and Life Member for over 
thirty years. He was also a member of the Kiwanis Club from 1979 to 
1986.
  His belief that understanding and reaching out to the world can make 
a difference led to his co-founding of the Task Force to Reduce the 
Nuclear Arms Race at the United Nations, which later became the Peace 
Committee of Western New York. He has been a major influence and 
inspiration in the lives of young people. From 1979 to 1986, he led 
yearly youth group bike tours in Western New York and Southern 
Pennsylvania. Reverend Dr. Persons also led a youth group to the 20th 
Anniversary of Martin Luther King's speech.
  Foremost, Reverend Dr. Persons has been integral to the life of his 
congregation. Over his religious career, he has officiated at some six 
hundred funerals, six hundred weddings and one thousand baptisms. His 
skills were recognized by his colleagues, and from 1965 to 1967, 
Reverend Dr. Persons was President of the Preaching Association in 
Seminary. In 1987, he was awarded grants to study meditation in ashrams 
in India. He is currently Moderator of Wright's Memorial Presbyterian 
Church--Native American Church in Irving, New York as well as Moderator 
of Presbytery of Western New York. He also holds the positions of the 
Chair of Presbytery Church and Society Committee as well as the Head of 
Presbytery Worship Committee.
  Madam Speaker, along with his family, friends and great admirers who 
will join together today at the Wanakah Country Club, I am honored to 
pay tribute to the admirable accomplishments of Reverend Dr. Persons. 
His life of leadership, compassion and service to others is truly an 
example for us all on the enormous difference one person can make. I 
wish him all the best in his retirement.

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