[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 126 (Thursday, July 16, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E637-E638]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE LIFE OF REVEREND DR. GEORGE W.C. RICHARDSON, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. TERRI A. SEWELL

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 16, 2020

  Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life 
and legacy of Reverend Dr. George Washington Carver Richardson, Jr., a 
learned and devoted man of faith whose bravery in and commitment to the 
Civil Rights Movement helped guide the moral trajectory of Alabama, our 
nation and the world.
  Born in Geiger, Alabama in Sumter County to George and Louise 
Richardson, Reverend Richardson moved as a child to Gordo, Alabama 
where he matriculated through the Pickens County School System. A 
lifelong man of God, Reverend Richardson began preaching at the tender 
age of four and was officially licensed to spread God's word by the age 
of twelve. By sixteen, Reverend Richardson was pastoring several small 
churches throughout the Alabama countryside.
  Understanding the unparalleled value of a good education, Reverend 
Richardson attended and received degrees from a number of schools 
including his BA from Selma University; an ETA from Southeastern Bible 
College; Bachelor of Theology from Sunshine Bible College, Master of 
Divinity from Interdenominational Theological Institute; Master in 
Religious Education from Sunshine Bible College, Doctor of Divinity 
from New Era Seminary; Doctor of Humane Letters from Faith Grant 
College, Existential Degree from Southeastern Bible College; and a LCU 
Degree from Insurance Underwriters. He also studied at the following 
schools: Temple University, Sanford University, Southern Christian 
Bible College, Alabama Christian College, University Bible Institute 
and Interdenominational Theological Institute.
  Reverend Richardson spread his God-given gifts far and wide, 
preaching throughout the United States and spreading the Gospel. He 
conducted workshops, seminars, revivals and special preaching 
engagements through which he met kings, princes, presidents and 
dignitaries from across the globe. He served as Pastor at Maggie Branch 
Baptist, Union Baptist, Shiloh Baptist and Mt Hebron Baptist. In 1979 
he became Pastor of Hutchinson Missionary Baptist Church in Montgomery, 
Alabama where he remained for forty-one years until his passing.
  In addition to his work in the church, Reverend Richardson dedicated 
himself to many community organizations including the NAACP, SCLC, the 
Montgomery Improvement Association and the Future Leaders of Montgomery 
County. He also served on the board of Star Management, Inc.; as 
President and CEO of SCOM's Ministry; as Chairman of the Board of the 
Survivor's Prison Ministry; on the Selma to Montgomery National 
Historic Trail Advisory Council, and on the board of the Covenant 
Family Ministries, Inc.
  Reverend Richardson played an important role in the Civil Rights 
Movement, belonging to an organization known as ``Friendly 
Brethren's'', headed by Dr. F.D. Reese of Selma, Alabama. The five 
members comprising this organization were at the forefront of 
initiating the Selma Movement and were later supported by Dr. Martin 
Luther King Jr. and the SCLC, who were sent in as support and who then 
came to lead the Selma Movement. Reverend Richardson participated in 
the many mass meetings, marches and demonstrations comprising the 
movement, most notable the events of Bloody Sunday which would later 
lead to the passage of the pivotal Voting Rights Act of 1965.
  Reverend Richardson was also instrumental in the integration of the 
University of

[[Page E638]]

Montevallo. In 1967 he moved to Bessemer, Alabama where he ran for 
Mayor, making him the first African American to run for a major Alabama 
political office, opening the door for many future generations of 
African Americans in Alabama to run for office. As a result of his run, 
he was taken and beaten by members of the KKK and left for dead, yet he 
managed to survive and to thrive through the grace of God, continuing 
to fight for truth and justice.
  Reverend Richardson was blessed in marriage to Robbye Johnson 
Richardson, to whom he was joyfully wed for fifty-six years. Together, 
they shared three loving children, Pastor E. Steven Richardson 
(Melanie), Georgina Richardson-Alexander (George) and Robert 
Richardson; six grandchildren, Erica, Steven, Irven, Iven, Tiara and 
Harmony; two extended grandchildren, Summer and Joshua; and twelve 
greatgrandchildren.
  On a personal note, I am very grateful for the guidance, prayers and 
wise counsel that Reverend Richardson has provided me over the years. 
Reverend Richardson was a steady anchor in the Montgomery community. As 
pastor of Hutchinson Missionary Baptist Church, he provided strong 
leadership to his congregation and made a big difference during his 
over fifty years of ministerial and public service. Reverend Richardson 
was a man of faith who lead by example May we find comfort in knowing 
that his legacy will live on in the many lives that he impacted.
  On behalf of Alabama's Seventh Congressional District, I ask my 
colleagues to join me in celebrating the exemplary life and 
accomplishments of Reverend Dr. George W.C. Richardson, Jr.

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