[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 114 (Thursday, July 14, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1118]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO REV. DR. HARRY L. SEAWRIGHT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 14, 2016

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the election 
of Reverend Dr. Harry L. Seawright as Bishop of the African Methodist 
Episcopal Church. Rev. Seawright is the longtime pastor of the Union 
Bethel A.M.E. Church in Brandywine, Maryland.
  A fourth-generation A.M.E., Rev. Seawright's first pastoral 
appointment was with the Payne Memorial A.M.E. Church in Jessup, 
Maryland, followed by service to the Hemingway Temple A.M.E. Church in 
Washington, D.C. In 1986, Rev. Seawright assumed his position at Union 
Bethel A.M.E. Church, which he has served longer than any other pastor 
in the congregation's history.
  During his three decades of service, Union Bethel has expanded 
dramatically and has a significant presence in the community. In 
addition to serving as Union Bethel's pastor, Rev. Seawright is the 
author of several books, including More Than Bricks and Mortar: 
Building a Church without Losing Your Mind, and Don't Faint: Help for 
Hurting Pastors and their Families. He earned his Bachelor's degree 
from Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina and his Master and 
Doctor of Ministry degrees from the Howard University School of 
Divinity.
  Rev. Seawright has long been deeply involved in the community. In 
addition to serving as a spiritual leader, he is an entrepreneur, 
community leader, world traveler, author and family man. I ask my 
colleagues to join me in expressing to him our congratulations on his 
election to this distinguished position and our gratitude for all he 
has done to touch the lives of others.

                          ____________________