[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 81 (Monday, May 23, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E760-E761]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE DEDICATION AND SERVICE OF DR. DAVID SPENCER UPON HIS 
         RETIREMENT AS PASTOR OF FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF MILTON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 23, 2016

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States 
Congress, it is an honor for me to rise and recognize Dr. David Spencer 
upon his retirement from First Baptist Church of Milton, Florida. 
Throughout his more than forty-five years as a pastor, including

[[Page E761]]

twenty years as the Senior Pastor at the First Baptist Church of 
Milton, Dr. Spencer tirelessly served the Lord and communities all 
along the Gulf Coast, and his leadership will be deeply missed.
   Dr. Spencer was born in Senatobia, Mississippi and graduated from 
Senatobia High School in 1965. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from 
William Carey University in 1969, his Master of Divinity from 
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1973, and his Doctor of 
Ministry from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 1979. Over 
the last 45 years, Dr. Spencer has served throughout the Southeastern 
United States, including North Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, and 
Florida, with his wife of 46 years, Connie, at his side.
   Dr. Spencer answered the call in 1996 for what would be his final 
assignment. After 16 years of service at the First Baptist Church of 
Long Beach, Mississippi, the First Baptist Church of Milton welcomed 
Dr. Spencer as pastor. In addition to being known for his love for 
preaching and his ability to capture his congregation through 
storytelling, Dr. Spencer played a major part in inspiring his 
congregation to give back to the local community. Under his leadership, 
the church grew both spiritually and physically. Countless individuals 
in Northwest Florida and overseas have been touched by the passion and 
service of First Baptist Church of Milton. The dedication of its people 
is evidenced by the eight churches they helped establish in Santa Rosa 
County, Florida, and the churches and foster homes they built and 
renovated as part of their mission trips.
   In addition to his seminary work, Dr. Spencer has served on the 
Mississippi Baptist Convention Board, as a trustee for William Carey 
College, and as an adjunct professor at the William Carey campus in 
Gulfport, Mississippi. In 2007, Dr. Spencer was also elected to the 
State Board of Missions as a representative of Santa Rosa County, where 
he served until 2013.
   While Dr. Spencer's time as pastor has officially come to a close, 
he understands that God's work is never done, and in addition to 
spending time with his family, pursuing his love of writing, music, 
wood-working, and golf, Dr. Spencer hopes to continue playing a role in 
the success of the Church.
   Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am 
privileged to recognize Dr. Spencer for his dedication and service to 
Northwest Florida. My wife Vicki and I wish him and Connie, their two 
sons, and two grandchildren all the best as they embark on this next 
journey in their lives. May the Spirit of the Lord continue to bless 
the Spencer family and the congregation of the First Baptist Church of 
Milton.

                          ____________________