[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 68 (Tuesday, April 20, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E428]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO BISHOP CHARLES E. DAVIS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANNY K. DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 20, 2021

  Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, Bishop Charles E. 
Davis was born in Leland, Mississippi in 1923, he graduated from high 
school in 1940 and migrated to Chicago, Illinois. In 1940 at the age of 
19, he joined the military and participated in World War II.
  In the military, Charles Edward Davis spent time in France, Holland, 
and Germany. He was a good soldier and attained the rank of Sergeant. 
After the war, he returned to Chicago and with his friend James 
McDonald, they opened an upholstery business and through his friendship 
with the McDonald Family he was introduced to the Indiana Avenue 
Pentecostal Church. He was welcomed into Indiana Avenue by Elder 
Charles Ellis and enjoyed going there and being with the people.
  After the passing of Elder Ellis the new Pastor Elder Odee Akins 
recognized the leadership abilities of the young man and assigned him 
to leadership roles. He served as Sunday School Superintendent, Young 
Peoples Leader and President of the Senior Choir, all of the time 
growing in spirituality and experiencing the call to preach.
  In 1970, Elder Charles E. Davis was elected Pastor of the Indiana 
Avenue Pentecostal Church after the death of Elder Atkins. He soon 
resigned from his job at Hart, Schaftner and Marx and became a full-
time Pastor and the rest became history.
  The church grew, new programs were established, community outreach 
took place, the church acquired property in the area as both Elder 
Davis and the church rose in religious, social, and political circles.
  Elder Charles Davis and his wife of 43 years Geraldine Olivia Davis 
were actively involved in all aspects of community life and in 1986 he 
was elevated to Bishop.
  After the death of his wife Geraldine he was blessed to wed again in 
2004, to his second wife Dr. Jessie Bell Ray and they continued to 
provide great leadership until his death and being on earth for 98 
years Bishop Charles Edwards Davis went home to meet his maker, May He 
Rest In Peace.