[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 48 (Thursday, March 22, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E436]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     SALUTE TO BISHOP JOHN HENRY SHEARD ON THE CELEBRATION OF HIS 
         EXCEPTIONAL LEADERSHIP IN THE CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. GARY C. PETERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 22, 2012

  Mr. PETERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute Bishop John Henry 
Sheard, Pastor of Greater Mitchell Church of God in Christ of Detroit, 
for his exceptional leadership in the great state of Michigan.
  From humble beginnings in a rural town in Mississippi to a leadership 
position in the International Church of God In Christ (COGIC), Bishop 
John Henry Sheard has been a great spiritual leader and true pioneer.
  Bishop Sheard moved to Detroit at a very early age. Under the 
tutelage of the Bishop John Seth Bailey, he moved up through the ranks 
of the Church. After being ordained, Bishop Sheard was installed as 
pastor of Mitchell Street COGIC in January, 1982. Displaying great 
leadership skills, he moved his growing congregation to a larger 
location in the city of Detroit. It is current known as Greater 
Mitchell Church on God in Christ.
  Bishop Sheard was later elevated to District Superintendent, 
Jurisdictional President of the Youth Department, and to the 
Jurisdiction's prestigious Executive Board. Ultimately, he was 
consecrated Bishop of the First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of Michigan 
Southwest by the General Board of the Church of God In Christ, with 
Bishop L.H. Ford as Presiding Bishop. For more than nearly 20 years, 
Bishop Sheard has presided over the First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction 
of Michigan Southwest and during this time the Jurisdiction has made 
tremendous strides.
  Known as a man of impeccable integrity and great leadership, Bishop 
Sheard has traveled throughout the country. His peers have twice 
elected him overwhelmingly as the Chairman of the Board of Bishops for 
the Church of God In Christ, Inc. He humbly chairs this prestigious 
Board, which is comprised of about 200 Bishops worldwide. He has earned 
many awards and accolades, including being honored by the Ohio Southern 
Christian Leadership Conference as ``Bishop of the Year for 2009.''
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing and 
paying tribute to Bishop John H. Sheard, Pastor of Greater Mitchell 
Church of God In Christ, on the celebration of his exceptional 
leadership in the great state of Michigan.