[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 70 (Wednesday, May 16, 2012)]
[House]
[Page H2720]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            PAYING TRIBUTE TO BISHOP BARNETT K. THOROUGHGOOD

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Virginia (Mr. Rigell) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. RIGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize, to honor, and to 
pay tribute to the life of Bishop Barnett K. Thoroughgood, founder of 
New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ in Virginia Beach, who passed 
away too early from this Earth in February. He was a man of God, an 
inspiring leader, a tremendous, positive influence in our community, 
and a truly outstanding American.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask the House to please help me welcome his family 
here today, his wife of 39 years, Ernestine; son, Jonathan; daughter, 
Mekia; handsome grandson, Caleb--who was just in my office--and many 
other distinguished guests who have come with the family today.
  I think the measure of a man or a woman is the legacy they leave to 
their children, and the legacy left by Bishop Thoroughgood is 
exemplary. The good bishop dedicated his life to serving God, his 
fellow man, and his community. He was a titan in the field of human 
rights. He was loved by fellow clergy and the community in which he 
served. He was a truly gifted speaker, and he used that gift to be a 
blessing to others. This is what was written about the bishop in the 
Virginia Pilot:

       Bishop Thoroughgood liked to say he started preaching at 
     the age of five, when he spent many days sharing Jesus with 
     the prison work crews that came to clean ditches in his 
     Seatack neighborhood. At 20 years old, he started the New 
     Jerusalem Church of God in Christ. Across his career, he 
     received many educational honors leading to his doctorate of 
     ministry. He served as the district superintendent to the 
     Virginia Beach district and second administrative assistant 
     to Bishop Samuel L. Greene, Jr.

  He was amazingly active in the community and received so many awards 
that if I read them out today, I think it would fill the Congressional 
Record.
  He also served as a member of the Virginia Beach Clergy Association 
and Ministerial Alliance. He was the founder and president of the 
Hampton Roads Ecumenical Council of Bishops. He led mission trips to 
Haiti and outreach to the poor.
  His sermons were literally broadcast around the world. So many were 
touched by his words, which I think explains why at the wake the night 
before his funeral 2,500 people were there, and 4,000 folks showed up 
to the funeral. I was honored to share just a few words with the 
family.
  I just ask that God would bless the family and watch over them, give 
them peace, and that the message that the bishop had lived his life 
conveying would be continued. That truly is the way, I believe, we 
honor the bishop's life is by continuing his work, his compassion for 
others, his commitment to making sure that all Americans cross the 
finish line, always centered on family, always centered on God, and 
always mindful of his obligations as an American.
  Bishop Thoroughgood leaves to cherish his memories, again, his lovely 
wife, Ernestine Thoroughgood; his sons, Bertram, Emmanuel, and 
Jonathan; daughter, Mekia; four brothers--large family, wonderful 
family that we had here this morning--five grandchildren, and many 
children they've adopted and helped through the social services foster 
care program; the New Jerusalem Church family; and the members of the 
Church of God in Christ worldwide.
  Mr. Speaker, I close as I began, just knowing that it's a high honor 
to pay tribute to his life. I think it embodies the very best of what 
it means to be an American, to be part of our Hampton Roads community, 
and to be a Virginian.
  So with that, I ask God's continued grace on the family.

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