[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 134 (Thursday, September 17, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1314]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            IN RECOGNITION OF BISHOP PRESTON W. WILLIAMS II

                                  _____
                                 

                      HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 17, 2015

  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an 
outstanding Man of God who has provided sage counsel, wisdom, and 
guidance throughout Georgia, the United States of America, and the 
world, Bishop Preston W. Williams II. Bishop Williams is the Presiding 
Prelate of the Sixth Episcopal District, which spans the state of 
Georgia. After his term concludes in 2016, Bishop Williams will be 
retiring. A celebration will be held in his honor on Saturday, 
September 19, 2015 at Allen Temple African Methodist Episcopal Church 
in Byron, Georgia.
  Bishop Preston W. Williams II was born in Willacoochee, Georgia and 
has worked tirelessly to spread the Word of God in the state throughout 
his life. He pastored several A.M.E. churches in Georgia, leaving a 
lasting mark on each through increased membership, improved worship 
facilities, and impactful community outreach. He also served as the 
Treasurer of the Sixth Episcopal District and Director of Communication 
in radio and television for the A.M.E. Church, where he was responsible 
for coordinating media outreach to more than 100,000 Georgians. He 
served as a member of the General Assembly of the World Council of 
Churches and was selected as the State of Georgia Distinguished 
Churchman.
  From 2000 to 2004, Bishop Williams served as the Presiding Prelate of 
the Seventeenth Episcopal District, located in Central Africa. Under 
his leadership, the membership of the Seventeenth District expanded 
exponentially, necessitating that the district be split into two 
separate parts and leading to the formation of a new Twentieth 
Episcopal District. In fact, this trend of increasing membership would 
continue throughout the Bishop's distinguished career, with thousands 
of people inspired to give their lives to Christ by this charismatic 
leader's everlasting love and enthusiasm for God.
  From 2004 to 2012, Bishop Williams served the Seventh Episcopal 
District, which consists of the state of South Carolina. There, Bishop 
Williams advocated for the implementation of Christian education by 
founding Youth Adult ministries, expanding the curriculum at Allen 
University, establishing scholarship funds for clergy members to pursue 
their Master of Divinity degrees, and increasing opportunities for 
seminary-level training. Moreover, Bishop Williams served the community 
at large by creating after-school programs dedicated to improving the 
lives of at-risk teens, among many other worthy contributions. Known to 
many, respected by all, he left an indelible mark on the Seventh 
Episcopal District.
  In 2012, Georgia rejoiced at the return of Bishop Williams when he 
was appointed to lead the Sixth Episcopal District of the A.M.E. 
Church. From 2012 to 2016, Bishop Williams will continue to govern the 
543 A.M.E. churches in the state of Georgia. He will also serve as 
Chairman on the Board of Turner Theological Seminary and Morris Brown 
College, both located in Atlanta, Georgia.
  Bishop Williams has accomplished much for the Kingdom of Christ 
throughout his life, but none of this would be possible without the 
grace of God and the love and support of his wife, Wilma, and his 
children, Arnold Andre, Wilma Priscilla, Stella Jacinta, and Prestina 
Delores.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing 
Bishop Preston W. Williams II for his numerous invaluable contributions 
to Georgia, the United States of America, and the world. Bishop 
Williams has made a tremendous impact on communities across the globe. 
Even in his forthcoming retirement, I am confident that Bishop Williams 
will remain an esteemed and active member of the community, as his 
limitless enthusiasm and diligent work ethic knows no bounds.

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