[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 31 (Tuesday, February 28, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E272]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE SERVICE OF REVEREND LAWRENCE A. DAVIES

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT J. WITTMAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 28, 2012

  Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a man who has 
made an unforgettable mark on his community over the last fifty years. 
Since becoming Pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church (Old Site) on March 4, 
1962, Rev. Lawrence A. Davies has lived a life full of dedicated 
service, guiding his church and his community through five decades of 
struggle and success. Rev. Davies will retire from his post on March 4, 
2012, 50 years to the day after he began his tenure.
   A native of Houston, Rev. Lawrence A. Davies was elected to City 
Council shortly after arriving in Fredericksburg, and in 1976, he 
became the city's first African American mayor. During the 20 years he 
spent as mayor of Fredericksburg, Rev. Davies led the city through many 
economic development projects, including revitalizations of the city's 
downtown and the establishment of the city's first low-income housing 
complex. His tenure also saw the creation of a regional public transit 
system that successfully provided low-cost transportation to citizens.
   Rev. Davies' service has extended to his private exploits as well. 
Having been directly impacted by the tragic effects of sickle cell 
anemia on his family, he and his wife, Janice, have worked tirelessly 
to increase attention of and advocacy for the victims of this 
debilitating disease. Rev. Davies also founded Citizens United for 
Action, a group that promoted civic activism, racial tolerance, and 
voter education, and his guidance and leadership in the city 
undoubtedly helped to preserve peace during the Civil Rights era. He 
has served on numerous boards during his time in Fredericksburg, 
including the Mary Washington College Board of Directors, the 
Rappahannock Area Community Services Board, and the Virginia Department 
of Transportation.
   As pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church (Old Site), Rev. Davies has 
served as an anchor of his community over the last fifty years. Under 
his leadership, the church has flourished, with continued growth in 
membership and a focus on the development of innovative ways to help 
the homeless and provide community outreach. I have worshipped with 
Rev. Davies and his congregation on multiple occasions, and his 
insightful, energetic sermons are full of spiritual encouragement and 
inspirational teachings. Rev. Davies' contributions to the 
Fredericksburg area since his arrival in 1962 have impacted the entire 
fabric of the region, and I greatly admire his selflessness, faith, and 
compassion for his fellow citizens. As he celebrates his retirement 
with friends and family on March 4, I wish him many years of happiness. 
I know that he will continue to set the standard for selfless service 
in Fredericksburg for many years to come, and I look forward to our 
continued friendship.

                          ____________________