[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 106 (Monday, July 19, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5989-S5990]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO THE REVEREND HARRY BLAKE

   Ms. LANDRIEU. Mr. President, I wish to recognize the career 
of Reverend Harry Blake, pastor of Mount Canaan Baptist Church of 
Shreveport, LA. After 15 years as the president of the Louisiana 
Missionary Baptist State Convention, Reverend Blake is retiring. He has 
been a friend and outstanding leader for many years.
  Pastor of Mount Canaan Baptist Church for almost 44 years, Reverend 
Blake has also served in various capacities for a number of local and 
national organizations. Most recently, he was appointed vice president 
for the Southwest Region of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., 
having previously served as general secretary. He has also held 
prominent roles in the Thirteenth District Baptist Association, and 
within the Louisiana Baptist State Convention, he has served on the 
Congress of Christian Education and the Evangelical Board.

[[Page S5990]]

  Locally, he is involved with the Louisiana Recovery Authority Board 
and numerous community development initiatives, such as Grace Project 
Incorporated, Project UpLift, Mount Canaan Day Care Center, and 
Shreveport-Bossier Community Renewal. Additionally, he has served as 
president of the Board of Directors for both Canaan Village Apartments 
and Canaan Towers, dedicating himself to serving low-income, elderly, 
and handicapped housing needs.
  In addition to these myriad roles in the local, State, and national 
communities, Reverend Blake has graciously played the role of educator, 
having lectured at Morehouse School of Divinity, Arkansas Baptist 
College, Leland College, Wiley College, Bishop College, L.K. Williams 
Ministers Institute, American Baptist College, Birmingham Bible 
College, United Theological Seminary, and Union Theological Seminary. 
Many have been inspired by his counsel and leadership for many years.
  Reverend Blake's innovations within his own church should also be 
commended. By including various ministries as well as tutoring programs 
at Mount Canaan Baptist Church, Reverend Blake has developed a model 
prayer service which has been emulated throughout the country.
  Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Reverend Blake has played the 
role of dedicated husband, father, and grandfather, raising his four 
children, Elizabeth, Harry II, Rodney, and Monica, with his wife Norma 
Jean and taking an active role in the lives of his 15 grandchildren.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Reverend Harry Blake 
on his distinguished 15 years of service to the Louisiana Missionary 
Baptist State Convention and in wishing him the best for years to 
come.

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