[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 131 (Saturday, September 28, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1398]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF REVEREND CLARENCE BOOKER TALIAFERRO SMITH

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                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Saturday, September 28, 2013

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
recognize the life of Reverend Clarence Booker Taliaferro Smith, the 
late pastor of the Golden Gate Missionary Baptist Church in Dallas. The 
street on which the Golden Gate Missionary Baptist Church is located 
will be renamed in his honor for his unwavering commitment and 
dedication to his community.
  Rev. Smith was best known for his remarkable energy, unyielding 
devotion to the faith, and his humility and love toward his neighbors. 
He grew up in San Antonio where he said the life-changing decision to 
pursue a life of faith came to him in a dream.
  Rev. Smith served as pastor for 45 memorable years, first assuming 
the position in January 1943. As a devoted member of the community, 
Rev. Smith remained loyal to his followers. In a decisive moment, Rev. 
Smith refused to relocate the church out of Oak Cliff and into a more 
prestigious locale. Although Rev. Smith stepped down as pastor in 1997, 
he remained active in his community. Nationally, Rev. Smith is 
recognized as an archetypal follower of the faith and a model for his 
peers.
  Mr. Speaker, Rev. Smith was an inspiring and devoted individual. He 
prided himself on his faith and others frequently turned to Rev. Smith 
for spiritual guidance. His passing is a great loss to the community; 
however, his invaluable contributions to his friends and neighbors will 
be immortalized in renaming this street in his honor.

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