[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 182 (Friday, October 23, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E977-E978]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE REVEREND ELLIS CLIFTON, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RASHIDA TLAIB

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 23, 2020

  Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate and honor the 
retirement of Reverend Ellis Clifton, Jr.
  Born January 15, 1953, the Reverend Ellis Clifton, Jr. is the only 
child of Reverend Deacon Ellis Clifton, Sr., and Marie Clifton. He grew 
up in Inkster, Michigan, and often comments on his childhood, saying, 
``I had a happy childhood, but it was a different one. While others 
were playing `cops and robbers', `cowboys and Indians', pretending to 
be superheroes, or playing sports, I was in my backyard playing 
priest.'' There is no doubt he would eventually pursue work in the 
clergy. Reverend Clifton graduated from Robichaud High School in 
Dearborn Heights, Michigan, in 1970, and graduated with a Bachelor's 
Degree in Education in 1974, and certification to teach students in 
special education and with learning disabilities from Central State 
University in Wilberforce, Ohio. Reverend Clifton taught school in 
Columbus, Ohio, from 1974 until 1988, when he entered Trinity Episcopal 
School for Ministry. He received his Master of Divinity in 1991, 
becoming the first African American graduate of the seminary.
  Before returning to Michigan, Reverend Clifton served as curate and 
interim pastor in Pennsylvania and vicar in Ohio. He was briefly the 
Vicar at Church of the Resurrection in Ecorse, Michigan, before 
eventually settling as the 7th rector of St. Clement's Episcopal Church 
in Inkster. Reverend Clifton's work has gone beyond his service to St. 
Clement's, but has extended to his surrounding community. Reverend 
Clifton is a lifelong member of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Chaplain 
and Board Member of the National Action Network Western Wayne County 
Chapter, Member of the Inkster-Citizens Action Network, and Chaplain 
for the Bishop H. Irving Mayson Scholarship Fund. He's also served on 
the Inkster Charter Commission and on Inkster Housing Commission until 
August of 2020.
  Reverend Ellis Clifton, Jr.'s ministerial leadership, commitment to 
clergy, and service to Inkster is extraordinary and a true reflection 
of our great district. Please join me in honoring Reverend Clifton, 
Jr., on his retirement and job well done.

[[Page E978]]

  

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