[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 137 (Friday, August 18, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1142]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 THE RETIREMENT OF REV. MELVIN V. WADE, SR. FROM MOUNT MORIAH BAPTIST 
                    CHURCH AFTER 42 YEARS OF SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KAREN BASS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 18, 2017

  Ms. BASS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to honor the pastoral service of 
Reverend Melvin Von Wade, Sr. who will retire in September from his 
position as senior pastor of Mount Moriah Baptist Church of Los 
Angeles.
   Born September 18, 1944 in Memphis, Tennessee, Melvin Von Wade 
earned a Bachelor's degree from Bishop College in Dallas, Texas, 
pursued graduate theological training at Perkins Theoretical Seminary 
in Dallas, Texas, and completed his seminary work at Faith Theological 
Seminary in Tacoma, Washington, where he received Master of Arts and 
Doctor of Ministry degrees.
   Over the last 42 years, Rev. Wade has led his congregation in its 
efforts to serve vulnerable populations in Los Angeles. Under his 
stewardship, Mount Moriah developed a 40-unit senior citizens' 
apartment complex, the Mount Moriah Senor Villa.
   Perhaps most significantly, he worked to foster cooperation between 
the four National Baptist Conventions. As former President of the 
National Missionary Baptist Convention of America (NMBCA), he organized 
an unprecedented meeting between the four National Baptist Conventions. 
Moreover, Reverend Wade has served as Second Vice President of the 
California Missionary Baptist State Convention; Board member Council of 
National Black Churches; and Board Member of the Baptist World 
Alliance.
   In addition to his work within his faith community, Rev. Wade is 
known to have worked to advocate for civil rights. He is a lifetime 
member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored 
People. I congratulate Rev. Wade and the Mount Moriah Baptist Church 
community on their fruitful partnership of over four decades. I wish 
the best to both Rev. Wade and the congregation, as each embarks on a 
new chapter of service.