[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 35 (Thursday, March 11, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E361]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 HONORING THE REVEREND DR. S. L. ROBERSON ON THE OCCASION OF HIS 90TH 
                                BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN D. DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 11, 2010

  Mr. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of my friend S. L. 
Roberson of Ypsilanti, Michigan and to pay tribute to him on the 
occasion of his upcoming 90th birthday on Saturday, March 14th, 2010.
  The Reverend Dr. S. L. Roberson is a pillar of the Ypsilanti-area 
community, a servant for his fellow man and a dear friend of mine; one 
whose wisdom and counsel I have been lucky to receive.
  S. L. Roberson was born in Alabama to Estella and Reverend Gaither 
Roberson, Sr., on March 14th, 1920. As a child he moved to Michigan and 
received his education in the Ypsilanti Public Schools. The church has 
always been central to S. L.'s life, and he was baptized at an early 
age while attending Second Baptist Church of Ypsilanti where his father 
served as pastor. It was at this time that S. L. received his calling, 
preached his trial sermon and was ordained in his ministry. He was 
later called to pastor the now Metropolitan Memorial Full Gospel 
Baptist Church and has led that congregation for over 50 years. S. L. 
has undergraduate degrees from Eastern Michigan University, has studied 
at Detroit Bible College and has a doctorate of divinity from Urban 
Bible College. Reverend Roberson has also served his country with great 
pride and distinction as a member of the United States Marine Corps. He 
is quick to tell you that once a Marine, always a Marine.
  My friend S. L. is a devoted husband to Elder Hollie Roberson, who is 
not only his wife, but his ``right hand.'' He is also the loving father 
of five children, but he serves as a fatherly figure to many more 
individuals throughout our community.
  Reverend Roberson's service has not gone unnoticed. He has received 
many distinctions, including the Liberty Bell from the Lawyers 
Association, the Ypsilanti Police Department Honor Award, and the 
Washtenaw Community College Service Award. December 14th has even been 
recognized as Reverend S. L. Roberson Day in the City of Ypsilanti. In 
addition to these achievements, I had the pleasure of hosting Reverend 
Roberson when he gave the opening prayer for the United States House of 
Representatives on September 5, 2007.
  As he celebrates his 90th birthday on March 14th, 2010, I hope that 
S. L. Roberson will know how beloved he is by his community, myself 
included. S. L. has lived a life of service, dedicating himself to his 
fellow human beings and the great cause of justice. I ask that the 
House join me in paying tribute to a fine and decent man as he comes to 
this remarkable milestone in a life so well lived.

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