[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 38 (Thursday, March 8, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E357-E358]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN CELEBRATION OF THE 35TH PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY OF BISHOP EDGAR VANN OF 
                         SECOND EBENEZER CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. GARY C. PETERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 8, 2012

  Mr. PETERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise and ask my colleagues to join me in a 
tribute to my friend and a distinguished man of the cloth, Bishop Edgar 
Vann, on the auspicious occasion of the 35th anniversary of his service 
to Christ and the community as Pastor of Second Ebenezer Baptist Church 
in Detroit, Michigan.
  In 1976, Bishop Edgar L. Vann II assumed the mantle of leadership at 
Second Ebenezer when, at the time, the congregation numbered less than 
100. With great vision and steadfast purpose, Bishop Vann toiled to 
create the vision of his spiritual calling. By the grace of God, grew 
the flock of Second Ebenezer numbers to nearly 5000 today. However, 
Bishop Vann's ecumenical reach extends far beyond the impressive walls 
of the beloved ``Second Eb.''
  With the good Bishop's message of empowerment and dedication, Second 
Ebenezer today has grown to be one of Detroit's premier ministries, 
inspiring its congregants toward the path of life transformation. The 
inspiration he provides is not just through words and teachings, 
however. His life's work is an example for us all.
  Bishop Vann is not just a builder of better souls, he is a builder 
and innovator in our community. Established in 1994, Bishop Vann leads 
the Vanguard Community Development, an institution that has created 
more than $80 million of church and of community development in 
Detroit. Vanguard is leading an entire community toward restoration, 
healing and empowerment. Bishop Vann preaches extensively throughout 
the world. He is a mentor, life coach and spiritual father to nearly 
200 sons and daughters in the ministry and pastors across the country. 
His travels have taken him to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Haiti, the 
Middle East, Africa and Eastern Europe. With each visit, he brings the 
powerful word of God to each stop.
  But Bishop Vann's labor and great work extends beyond his church and 
his family. In fact, he serves with distinction on several boards. His 
civic and community organizations affiliations include: Mosaic Youth 
Theater, Wayne State University's Research & Technology Park, The 
Skillman Foundation, Detroit Regional Chamber, Michigan Coalition of 
Human Rights, Detroit Institute of Arts, Henry Ford Health System, 
Commissioner for the Detroit Police Department, Habitat for Humanity, 
and the Michigan Civil Rights Commission. He also served as a 
consultant and an advisor to governors, mayors, civic officials and 
corporate executives throughout the great state of Michigan.
  A devoted husband and a dedicated father, Bishop Vann has been 
married to Elder Sheila R. Vann, a gifted woman of God, since 1978. 
They have two adult children, Edgar L. Vann III and Ericka Monique 
Vann.
  Mr. Speaker, it is too tall a task to fully detail each and every way 
that Bishop Vann has made a difference in our community, and indeed, 
the world. We are truly blessed by his calling, and deeply grateful for 
his dedication and work. I extend my sincerest wishes on this momentous 
occasion and hope that his gifts to us continue for another 35 years 
and beyond.

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