[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 77 (Wednesday, May 21, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E794-E795]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING REVEREND CLAUDE E. WILSON

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 21, 2014

  Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
extraordinary life of Reverend Claude E. Wilson. Known as a prominent 
leader in our community and as a devoted husband, father and friend, 
Reverend Wilson has left an indelible mark on our community. With his 
passing on May 9, 2014, we look to Reverend Wilson's personal legacy of 
spiritual service, the joy he inspired and the outstanding quality of 
his life's work.
  Born on June 11, 1932 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Reverend Wilson 
moved to Seattle, Washington with his family at the age of eight. After 
graduating from Simpson College in San Francisco in 1956, Reverend 
Wilson went to pursue his Master's degree at the Golden Gate Baptist 
Theological Seminary in Mill Valley. He obtained a Masters of Religious 
Education and a Masters of Divinity. In 1980, Reverend Wilson completed 
his Doctor of Ministry at the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley.
  Throughout the 1960s, Reverend Claude Wilson served as a minister of 
Christian education and assistant to the pastor at McGee Avenue Baptist 
Church. In 1969, he became the pastor at Havenscourt Community Church, 
where he served his community for over 44 years. In addition, Reverend 
Wilson instructed at different institutes and universities, including 
the Bible Fellowship Institute, Fuller Seminary, and he was a Professor 
of Pastoral Care for Patten University.
  Among Reverend Wilson's many accomplishments, he was also an active 
community leader and organizer. He served as the President of the 
Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of the East Bay, one of the 
oldest Black ministerial alliances in Northern California. Reverend 
Wilson also served as the President of the Northern California Council 
of Churches. In addition, he was a member of Pastors of Oakland and 
Love Fellowship of Churches, and was the Intern Chaplain at San Quentin 
Prison.
  Reverend Claude Wilson has left a lasting imprint on our society and 
communities of faith. Reverend Wilson dedicated more than half of his 
life to ministry and will be remembered for his wisdom and compassion. 
In recognition for all of his achievements, a groundbreaking ceremony 
was held in Monrovia, Liberia naming a building after him: The Doctor 
Claude E. Wilson Academy.
  On a personal note, I will always remember the confidence Reverend 
Wilson had in me when he endorsed me during my first campaign in 1989 
for the California Assembly. He encouraged me and helped me win 
election after election. I was so proud to list him on my literature as 
a supporter. More importantly, however, I was proud to call him my 
friend. Reverend Wilson's smile, his kind words and his prayers 
reassured me to keep fighting the good fight. He was always there for 
me and for that, I am forever grateful.
  Today, California's 13th Congressional District salutes and honors an 
outstanding community leader and individual, Reverend Claude

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E. Wilson. His dedication and efforts have impacted so many lives 
throughout the Bay Area. I join all of Claude's loved ones in 
celebrating his incredible life. He will be deeply missed.

                          ____________________