[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 70 (Thursday, April 22, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E446]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN HONOR OF THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE AND LEGACY OF REVEREND ROY L. 
                                FERGUSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. TERRI A. SEWELL

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 22, 2021

  Ms. SEWELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy 
of Reverend Roy L. Ferguson, a beloved pastor and active community 
leader who passed away at the age of 76 on April 15, 2021. In 1983, 
Rev. Ferguson was elected Pastor of Saint John Baptist Church in 
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where he served his congregation valiantly for 38 
years. Demonstrating a continued dedication to public service, Rev. 
Ferguson contributed to the lives of many through mentorship and 
ministry, lifting spirits and soothing troubled souls.
  Born on July 16, 1945, in Pickensville, Alabama, Rev. Ferguson 
graduated from Mississippi Valley College, where he studied physical 
education. He continued his education attending Birmingham Bible 
College and Samford University. In 1978, Rev. Ferguson answered the 
call to ministry under the leadership of Dr. J.C. Curry, Pastor of 
Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Flint, Michigan. Shortly after, 
Rev. Ferguson's employer transferred him to Tuscaloosa, where he began 
his tenure as an associate minister at Saint John Baptist Church in 
1982. He married Coleen Hudson, and together they had seven children.
  Rev. Ferguson was a dedicated public servant who contributed to the 
progression of Civil and Human Rights through his positions as a board 
member of the State Southern Christian Leadership Conference, President 
Emeritus of the Tuscaloosa County Chapter Southern Christian 
Conference, and President of Tuscaloosa Ministerial Alliance. Expanding 
his influence outside of ministry, Rev. Ferguson gave back to the 
Tuscaloosa community by acting as a mentor in the Stars Program at 
Tuscaloosa City Schools and Tuscaloosa Juvenile Detention Center. He 
lived his life by example, encouraging the members of his community and 
congregation to live up to their full potential in Christ.
  Throughout his life, Rev. Ferguson prioritized the importance of 
teaching the next generation about Black history. He believed that if 
we are to truly bring about change in this Nation, it is our 
responsibility to preserve the legacy of those on whose shoulders we 
stand.
  On a personal note, I am eternally grateful for the support, 
friendship, and wise counsel that Rev. Ferguson and his dedicated wife 
Coleen always extend to me. The amazing congregation of St. John 
Baptist Church was a special refuge to my staff and I and will always 
be a comforting source of love and support. I am forever indebted to 
Rev. Ferguson for representing Alabama's 7th Congressional District at 
the National Day of Prayer in Washington, D.C. I could always count on 
Rev. Ferguson to extend his ministry for the good of our community. I 
was constantly reminded by the example that Rev. Ferguson set on how to 
extend favor and fulfillment to others. May we find comfort in knowing 
that the legacy of Rev. Ferguson will live in the many people that he 
touched. Let us be renewed by his giving spirit to make a difference in 
our communities. Rest In Peace.
  On behalf of Alabama's 7th Congressional District, I ask my 
colleagues to join me in recognizing the extraordinary life and legacy 
of Reverend Roy L. Ferguson and his outstanding contributions to the 
Tuscaloosa community.

                          ____________________