[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 122 (Tuesday, September 17, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1323]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING DR. MELVIN B. GIRTON, SR. ON HIS RETIREMENT

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. ANDRE CARSON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 17, 2013

  Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Melvin 
B. Girton, Sr., who, after 50 years of dedicated service, has retired 
as the senior pastor of Christ Missionary Baptist Church in 
Indianapolis.
  Throughout his career, Dr. Girton has been a champion for civil 
rights and an outspoken advocate for social justice. As spiritual 
leader of the 94-year-old congregation, he has organized and hosted 
hundreds of events to bring the people of central Indiana together in 
celebration, remembrance, and hope. He remains dedicated to these goals 
even in retirement and will continue to serve as host pastor for the 
annual Indianapolis Emancipation Proclamation service, an event that is 
attended by dignitaries and officials from around the country. Dr. 
Girton's advocacy has not been limited to the pulpit, though. He he has 
worked tirelessly for equality and opportunity as Vice President of the 
Indianapolis Branch of the NAACP and has been an ever present force in 
efforts to strengthen our community.
  Recognizing a need for job training and the redevelopment of local 
neighborhoods, Dr. Girton founded the Christ Missionary Baptist 
Economical Training & Development Center in 1998. The Center began as a 
small laundry mat in an underused strip mall near the church, but over 
time has grown to provide a powerful social outlet for seniors, job 
training for local youth, and reintegration services for juvenile and 
adult offenders.
  Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Dr. Girton for his 
years of dedicated service to his parishioners, the Indianapolis 
community, and all Hoosiers.

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