[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 100 (Thursday, July 7, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1256]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING REVEREND GEORGE LEE JOHNSON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF DENHAM

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, July 7, 2011

  Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleagues, Mr. Nunes 
and Mr. Costa, to acknowledge and honor the life of a beloved leader in 
the Fresno Community, Reverend George Lee Johnson, and to recognize his 
tireless work as the Senior Pastor of Peoples Church. Ministering to 
thousands, Reverend Johnson earned the respect of fellow clergy and 
civic leaders alike.
  The son of a Baptist minister, George Lee Johnson, or G.L. as he came 
to be known, grew up in Houston. He moved to Fresno in 1961 to work as 
the Associate General Director of the Latin American Orphanage. That 
same year, Reverend Johnson and his wife, Jackie, joined the then small 
Peoples Church. In 1963, Reverend Johnson became the Pastor of Peoples 
Church at the age 37.
  Reverend Johnson's commitment to his faith and the congregation of 
Peoples Church resulted in significant growth of the organization. His 
uplifting messages of hope and faith appealed to many worshipers. In 
1978, Peoples Church moved to a sanctuary with capacity of more than 
2,000 people, allowing over 5,000 people to attend numerous different 
services on Sunday. With an ever-increasing following, Peoples Church 
attracted a mix of civic leaders. Moreover, Reverend Johnson's hard 
work and service were influential in the community of Fresno. He 
organized the Pastor's Prayer Summit in Oakhurst, where over 45 clergy 
members met to pray for guidance for civic leaders in combating 
Fresno's crime rate and resolving socioeconomic problems. The success 
of this event inspired Reverend Johnson to organize a weekly Citywide 
Pastors Prayer Meeting which began in 1993 and still takes place today. 
In 2001, the Reverend was instrumental in bringing the Central Valley 
Billy Graham Crusade to Bulldog Stadium, an event which united more 
than 200,000 people.
  Reverend G.L. Johnson retired from Peoples Church in 2008 after 45 
years of service as the Senior Pastor. However, his retirement from the 
church did not mark the end of his ministry. Reverend Johnson continued 
to support the church and lend his wisdom and knowledge to the many 
Fresno residents who looked to him for guidance. He also traveled 
throughout the world, teaching at various religious conferences. After 
a brave battle with cancer, Reverend George Lee Johnson passed away 
surrounded by his loving family at the age of 83.
  Mr. Speaker, please join Mr. Nunes, Mr. Costa, and I in honoring 
Reverend George Lee Johnson for his unwavering leadership, and 
recognizing his accomplishments and contributions as Pastor of Peoples 
Church. The life of Reverend George Lee Johnson serves as an example of 
excellence to those in our community, and his legacy will not be soon 
forgotten.

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