[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 35 (Thursday, March 3, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E276-E277]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO BISHOP JAMES L. DAVIS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. TERRI A. SEWELL

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 3, 2016

  Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a fifth 
generation African Methodist Episcopal minister, Presiding Prelate, 
Bishop James Levert Davis on the end of his outstanding tenure as the 
Presiding Prelate of the 9th African Methodist Episcopal District and 
for his dedicated and distinguished service to the State of Alabama.
  Bishop Davis is the son of the late Mother Dorothy Lynch, the late 
Reverend Sam Davis and Mother Alma Davis. He is married to his partner 
in ministry, Arelis Beevers Davis. They are the proud parents of Dr. 
Nicole Davis Pass and Damarys Monique Burnett; and the proud 
grandparents of Patrick James Pass, Ashton James Pass, Baron 
Christopher Valentino Burnett and Noel Olivia Burnett.
  Bishop Davis attended both public and private schools in Alabama and 
received the call to ministry at age 12. Bishop Davis is a graduate of 
Morris Brown College in Atlanta, Georgia where he earned his Bachelor 
of Science degree and later matriculated at Turner Theological Seminary 
where he earned his Master of Divinity degree. He also received a 
Doctorate of Ministry degree from the Interdenominational Theological 
Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Bishop Davis' leadership roles have 
included the 123rd Bishop in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He 
was appointed to the 19th Episcopal District which encompassed the 
Republic of South Africa. Bishop Davis furthered the legacy of self-
help and self-reliance through his ministry during his time living on 
the continent of Africa from 2004 to 2008.
  Bishop Davis has preached and taught for over 45 years and has served 
the African Methodist church and community faithfully. His exemplary 
work and commitment to his call has earned the respect and admiration 
of fellow ministers, church members, government leaders and our 
community.
  It was under the leadership of Bishop Davis that the 9th Episcopal 
District was able to purchase and renovate the District Headquarters 
located in downtown Birmingham, AL. It took only twenty-five months for 
the District to celebrate burning their mortgage while reporting $1.8 
million in budget assessments and were able to donate over $60,000 to 
local churches in need.
  Bishop Davis continues to demonstrate an exemplary commitment to 
community service through his work as the chair of the Board of 
Directors for the Daniel Payne College where he promoted his remarkable 
vision for its property which could help generate funds for the church. 
Under his leadership, The Daniel Payne College Foundation, Inc. of the 
9th Episcopal District was able to purchase the Daniel Payne Middle 
School making this the largest property owned by an African American 
institution in the State of Alabama.
  On a personal note, Bishop Davis has motivated and inspired me to 
utilize my gifts and talents in planting and reaping and sowing good 
seeds throughout Alabama's 7th Congressional District. I want to thank 
him for his continued support and encouragement as we both seek to 
serve God's people for the advancement of a better world.
  On behalf of the 7th Congressional District, the State of Alabama and 
this nation, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 
accomplishments of Bishop James Levert Davis. We pay tribute to his 
distinguished career and contributions for the betterment of the State 
of Alabama and extend deep appreciation for his exemplary service as 
the Presiding Prelate of the 9th Episcopal District.

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