[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 102 (Tuesday, July 10, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1215]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING DR. JAMES WILSON MURRAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JO ANN EMERSON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 10, 2012

  Mrs. EMERSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Dr. James Wilson 
Murray's service as the executive director of General Baptist 
Ministries. Dr. Murray is retiring after 65 years of ministry. His 
service to our country and his community is unparalleled. I am 
incredibly thankful for the work he has done and the example he has set 
in Southern Missouri.
  Dr. Murray served more than 20 years in the United State Marine 
Corps. He saw combat in both Korea and Vietnam and was recognized with 
three Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star Medal for valor. After leaving 
military service, Dr. Murray was president of Oakland City College for 
33 years. He transformed the university from an unaccredited, declining 
college to a fully accredited university with more than 2,000 students 
on multiple campuses.
  In addition to these incredible experiences and years of service, Dr. 
Murray has dedicated his life to the ministry of the General Baptist 
denomination. While serving as the executive director of General 
Baptist Ministries in Poplar Bluff, he established financial stability, 
provided ministerial credibility and implemented Mission One, a five-
year initiative to offer new resources and enhanced communications to 
the people and ministries of the General Baptist denomination.
  From the bottom of my heart, I appreciate everything he has done from 
his service in the Marine Corps to his time as executive director of 
General Baptist Ministries. I am proud to have Dr. Murray serve as an 
example in Southern Missouri, and I thank him for his years of 
dedication.

                          ____________________