[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 83 (Monday, May 21, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S2789]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  REMEMBERING REVEREND W.G. HARDY, JR.

  Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, on February 2, Portland lost a dedicated 
man of faith, Rev. W.G. Hardy, Jr. As our community mourns the loss of 
this great spiritual leader, we also pause to celebrate all he did for 
our community.
  During the 22 years that Pastor Hardy served as senior pastor of the 
Highland Christian Center in northeast Portland, he committed himself 
heart and soul to helping every person who walked through the doors of 
his church, as well as those who did not.
  Preaching wasn't just a duty for Pastor Hardy; it was a calling that 
helped Portland be a better place to live. Many will remember Pastor 
Hardy inviting any and all to come to his church. Often you would see 
him on the weekends supporting the church's many activities and events. 
He spent endless hours advocating for those who are homeless, working 
with nonprofits and local governments to find solutions on mental 
illness, and developing programs to prevent young people from falling 
through the cracks.
  Pastor Hardy was justifiably proud that Highland Christian Center 
hosted the annual ``Keep Alive the Dream'' events, which earned 
official designation from the National Martin Luther King Jr. Federal 
Holiday Commission. Over the years, I had the fortune of attending this 
unique program, recognized as the largest tribute to Dr. King in the 
State of Oregon.
  As a third-generation preacher, Pastor Hardy understood and valued 
the power of faith. He was steadfast in his advocacy and had the ear 
and phone numbers of countless city, county, and State leaders. His 
passion and energy for this work showed in his powerful and poignant 
sermons. Every time I would see Pastor Hardy, whether after one of his 
many inspiring services or during a visit to Washington, DC, he always 
had a smile on his face and an important issue to discuss.
  Through his beloved wife, Ali Hardy, his children, grandchildren, and 
a host of other loving relatives, Pastor Hardy's life and legacy will 
last forever throughout Portland. His good work will continue through 
the leaders he helped lift up and create. While this is a loss for 
many, the gains he made will be felt by many for years to come.

                          ____________________