[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 153 (Thursday, September 13, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1244-E1245]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE LIFE OF CLARENCE JORDAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOHN KATKO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 13, 2018

  Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the life of Clarence 
Jordan, who passed away on September 8, 2018 at the age of 88. Clarence 
dedicated his life to aiding the underprivileged throughout the Central 
New York community. Over the last five decades, Clarence raised more 
than $100 million to support those who needed it the most in the 
region.
   Clarence Jordan was born in Fall River, Massachusetts and grew up 
during the Great Depression. His childhood was not an easy one. His 
father was an alcoholic who abused him and, by the time he was 11 years 
old, both his parents passed away due to tuberculosis. Clarence spent 
his adolescent years without a stable home, living in California and 
Massachusetts. He became close to Jesus Christ during this time and the 
church community became his new family.
   Clarence studied at Barrington College and intended to work as a 
missionary in China, but those plans were cancelled after communists 
established their control in the country. He instead served as 
Associate Director at Goodwill Industries in Bridgeport, Connecticut 
and was the Associate Pastor of Calvary Evangelical Church. In 1959, 
Clarence moved to Syracuse to serve as Director of Men's Social 
Services at the Rescue Mission. This move marked the beginning of 
Clarence's philanthropy in Central New York.
   After serving in his new position for just a year, Clarence was 
promoted to Executive Director at the Rescue Mission. The Rescue 
Mission rapidly became one of the most extensive social service groups 
in Central New York with Clarence at the head of the organization. 
During his tenure from 1960 to 2000, Clarence grew the Rescue Mission 
to 333 employees and a budget of $10 million, as well

[[Page E1245]]

as established multiple programs addressing poverty, hunger and 
addiction. Additionally, Rescue Mission received the Eleanor Roosevelt 
Community Services Award in 1985, New York State's high award for a 
voluntary agency. Clarence left Rescue Mission in 2000 and continued to 
fundraise for several community projects, including the creation of the 
Clarence L. Jordan Vision Center in 2012.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me to honor 
the remarkable life of Clarence Jordan. He was truly a model citizen 
for the Central New York community and dedicated his life to the well-
being of others. His many contributions impacted hundreds of lives and 
will not be forgotten.

                          ____________________