[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 85 (Monday, May 17, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E533-E534]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN HONOR OF THE LIFE AND EXEMPLARY SERVICE OF PASTOR E. BAXTER MORRIS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. TERRI A. SEWELL

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 17, 2021

  Ms. SEWELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and 
exemplary service of Pastor Edgar Baxter Morris, the beloved senior 
pastor of the historic First Baptist Church on North Ripley Street in 
Montgomery, Alabama who passed away on Sunday, May 2, 2021 surrounded 
by family. Pastor E. Baxter Morris was a devoted community leader and 
former Montgomery Police Department chaplain. He served for 50 years as 
the pastor of the iconic First Baptist Church, which was once pastored 
by Rev. Ralph Abernathy, a key strategist and architect of the Civil 
Rights Movement and Montgomery Bus Boycott.
  Pastor Morris was born the second of two children to Mr. and Mrs. 
Willie and Ella Beatrice Morris in Anniston, Alabama. He studied at 
Jacksonville State University, Selma University, and Alabama State 
University. He continued his education at the National Baptist Congress 
of Christian Education and Samford University Extension Division. 
Later, Pastor Morris returned to the National Baptist Congress of 
Christian Education and the State Congress to serve as both an 
instructor and lecturer.
  Pastor Morris was called to ministry on'August 20, 1972. As a 
faithful public servant to his community, Pastor Morris served as 
Chaplain for Montgomery Police Department for over 20 years and as a 
mentor for Montgomery police officers and their families. As the senior 
pastor of First Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama for almost 50 
years, Pastor Morris worked tirelessly to uphold the legacy of this 
historic church by promoting social justice and equity. Pastor Morris 
held numerous leadership positions within religious and community 
organizations. He is the past moderator of the Montgomery-Antioch of 
Christian Education, lecturer of the State Congress of Christian 
Education, missionary for the Alabama Baptist Southeast District State 
Convention, and lecturer of the Alabama Southeast District State 
Convention Women's Department.
  Known as an active community leader, Pastor Morris dedicated his life 
to the police officers of Montgomery and to their families. He offered 
mentorship and support to police officers and emergency first-
responders throughout his career. He served on various boards in 
Montgomery and the surrounding community including the Montgomery Area 
Mental Health Authority. Pastor Morris was also a member of the 
Fraternal Order and Masonic, Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, 
Inc., and the Inspector General 33 deg. United Supreme Council A.A.S.R. 
of Freemasonry, S.J., Inc. Prince Hall.
  Pastor Morris is survived by his loving and faithful wife, Rebie 
Morris, four children, twelve grandchildren, one great-grandniece, 
three nephews, one godson, and a host of other relatives and friends 
including his First Baptist Church Family, Ministerial Circle, Sigma 
Brothers, Zeta Sisters, and Masonic Family.
  On a personal note, I am eternally grateful for the tremendous 
community contributions made by Pastor Morris and the dedicated 
congregation of First Baptist Church. Under the leadership of Pastor 
Morris, First Baptist Church opens its doors to thousands of travelers 
from across the world who want to learn more about the role this church 
played during the Civil Rights Movement. Pastor Morris remained 
committed to preserving and furthering the legacy of activism at First 
Baptist Church fostered by his predecessor Rev. Ralph Abernathy. I am 
especially appreciative of the warm and generous hospitality shown by 
Pastor Morris and the entire congregation of the First Baptist Church. 
They have served as the hosts for Members of Congress during the annual 
Faith and Politics Civil Rights Pilgrimage since 1998. Year after year, 
the highlight of the pilgrimage for many of my colleagues was the 
``five-star'' Saturday Brunch hosted by Pastor Morris and his 
congregation. We will surely miss his warm smile, congenial 
personality, infinite wisdom, compassionate heart, and generous spirit. 
May we be comforted in knowing that the legacy of service and 
unwavering faith of Pastor Morris will live on in the hearts and 
actions of those he impacted.

[[Page E534]]

  On behalf of Alabama's 7th Congressional District, I ask my 
colleagues to join me in recognizing the life and legacy of Pastor 
Edgar Baxter Morris and his contributions to the Montgomery community.

                          ____________________