[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 135 (Thursday, October 3, 2013)]
[House]
[Page H6186]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO RAPHAEL BELL

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Davis) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor 
today to express condolences to the family, friends, and parishioners 
of Bishop Raphael Bell, who passed away this past Sunday while 
preaching a sermon in his pulpit. As a matter of fact, his wife had 
suggested that he not go to church, but he indicated that he would go 
because he thought it might make him feel better.
  He was 90 years old. He grew up the son of a sharecropper in 
Mississippi, moved to Illinois, founded several schools and colleges, 
became the senior bishop of a diocese, well-loved, well-respected, a 
tremendous personality. I came to know his family when I taught his 
nephew 40 years ago and have observed him ever since.
  I just wanted to say to his family, friends, and parishioners that 
they have been graced by the presence of a tremendously great 
individual who died doing what he liked to do, and that is preach the 
Gospel.

                          ____________________