[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 106 (Thursday, June 17, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E664-E665]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             REMEMBERING REVEREND DOCTOR MARCUS GARVEY WOOD

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                           HON. KWEISI MFUME

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 17, 2021

  Mr. MFUME. Madam Speaker, I rise this morning to commemorate the life 
of a gentle

[[Page E665]]

giant and a great theologian: Reverend Doctor Marcus Garvey Wood. His 
celebration of life and homegoing service is taking place in 
Baltimore's Providence Baptist Church tomorrow morning.
  Reverend Wood, who I knew as ``my mother's favorite cousin,'' was one 
of seven children born to Frank Wood, a hardworking carpenter born into 
slavery, and Julia Wood, a dedicated and giving homemaker. They lived 
modestly on a family farm in Gloucester, Virginia. With nothing more 
than 25 cents and a commitment to serve, Reverend Wood entered 
adulthood at the age of 17. It did not take him long to begin his 
spiritual journey. He preached his first sermon as a senior in high 
school and shortly thereafter, became licensed by the church to preach 
in 1937. By the Grace of God, Dr. Wood was ordained as a Baptist 
minister only 3 years later.
  Reverend Wood devoted most of his life to serving the community 
around him. An inspiring leader, he was pivotal in community service 
and played a key role in the 1960's Civil Rights Movement in Baltimore, 
marching alongside his noteworthy former classmate and lifelong friend, 
Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King Jr.
  Reverend Wood and I share the same undergraduate alma mater, Morgan 
State University. By the end of his academic journey, Reverend Wood had 
obtained two bachelor's degrees, a master's degree in divinity, and was 
bestowed the high honor of receiving a ``Distinguished Alumni Award'' 
from Crozer Theological Seminary. He was the last surviving member of 
his class at Crozer Theological Seminary--where he met Dr. King--to 
begin what was to be a personal connection to both Dr. King and his 
legacy.
  Reverend Wood carried what he learned from his academic pursuits and 
his peers into a career of visionary leadership and public service. 
From launching innovative techniques like opening solar-heated and ADA 
accessible church facilities, to developing the Providence Adult Day 
Care Center, no stone could be left unturned. He spread his love around 
the world and traveled to countries like England, Scotland, Russia, and 
Ireland to attend religious conferences. He made room to dedicate time 
to developing food programs, an AIDS ministry, prison outreach, and a 
committee for the homeless. He maintained memberships to different 
organizations, boards, and agencies such as the Baltimore Urban League, 
the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, the NAACP, and many more.
  Reverend Wood's wife of 69 years, the former Bessie Pendleton, died 
in 2017. He leaves to mourn his passing a brother, Dr. Garnett Wood; 
daughter, Jeanetta James; son, Marcus G. Wood; and grandchildren Kevin 
Brown, Darrell Brown-Bey, Monica G. Wood and Melissa G. Wood 
Bartholomew; as well as two great grandchildren and a number of nieces, 
nephews and cousins.
  Madam Speaker, in closing, Reverend Wood disavowed any trappings or 
pretensions and lived his faith in God. He did not suffer fools lightly 
and was one of a kind. He was, as they say, ``the Real McCoy.'' 
Reverend Doctor Marcus Garvey Wood left a memory with every person he 
interacted with, including myself. May his soul forever rest in peace.

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