[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 82 (Friday, May 18, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E684]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               IN RECOGNITION OF REVEREND GOZIE E. PENSON

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                      HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 18, 2018

  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my 
sincerest congratulations and birthday wishes to a dedicated man of God 
and community servant, Reverend Gozie E. Penson, who is celebrating his 
100th birthday at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 26, 2018 at the Holiday Inn 
located at 197 East Broad Street in Athens, Georgia.
  Reverend Gozie E. Penson was born on May 31, 1918 in Fayette County, 
Georgia. He is a product of the Peach County School System and a member 
of Henry Hunt High School's graduating class. After graduating from 
high school, he attended Morehouse College and earned a Bachelor's of 
Divinity degree from Howard University's School of Religion.
  Rev. Penson received a calling to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ 
to migrants in Pocomoke City, Maryland and Belle Glade, Florida through 
the National Council of Churches. He later served with the Presbyterian 
Church in Tuskegee and Montgomery, Alabama as well as the Urban League 
in Washington, D.C.
  Throughout his life, Rev. Penson was an active member of several 
civic organizations where he poured his time and energy including 
Tuskegee's Retired Senior Volunteer Program, Committee for Good 
Government, Oenology Club, and the Tuskegee Civic Association.
  Acts 20:35 says, ``I have shown you in every way, by laboring like 
this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the 
Lord Jesus, that He said, `It is more blessed to give than to receive 
.' '' Truly, Reverend Penson has abided by this scripture, 
understanding his calling and purpose to serve God's people and his 
community.
  Reverend Penson has accomplished many things in his life, but none of 
these would have been possible without the grace of God and the love 
and support of his late wife, Claudine, and their children, Merryll, 
Elvin, and Nari.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me, my wife, Vivian, and the 
more than 730,000 residents of Georgia's Second Congressional District, 
in recognizing Reverend Gozie E. Penson for his selfless service to 
God, his church, and humankind. We extend our best wishes to him as he, 
his family, and friends celebrate his 100th birthday.

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