[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 168 (Monday, September 27, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1032]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF BISHOP HARRY S. GRAYSON AND HIS 30 YEARS OF SERVICE 
                        TO MESSIAS TEMPLE CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 27, 2021

  Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Bishop Harry 
S. Grayson. of Ypsilanti, Michigan. He is an extraordinary leader in 
faith and an example of compassion personified. His lifetime of service 
and dedication to our community is worthy of commendation.
  Bishop Grayson grew up on the southside of Ypsilanti, Michigan. He 
became Bishop of Messias Temple Church in Ypsilanti on September 1991 
with the support of his congregation, he was installed by Bishop Willie 
Burrell in January 1992. In 1999, he became a District Elder and in 
2011 was named Suffragan Bishop. In 2018, he was elevated to the office 
of Diocesan Bishop of the 60th Episcopal District Council of the 
Western Cape, South Africa. His ministry in Africa has led him across 
the continent from Egypt in the north to Zimbabwe in the south. After a 
ten-day stint in Harare, Zimbabwe spent spreading the word, Bishop 
Grayson was able to provide the needed funding for a new church 
sanctuary and for the construction of a new medical clinic to be named 
in his honor.
  A man of conviction and steadfast faith, Bishop Grayson is a trusted 
leader and friend to those who know him. He is mentor to children and 
adults alike, from the youth of the church to government and 
educational leaders--they all benefit from his wisdom and love. Even in 
the face of a lengthy battle with COVID-19, his strength has never once 
faltered. We are grateful that he is a distinguished leader in our 
community who continues to give back to the place where he came of age. 
Where some see hopelessness, he can see opportunity. Whether it is in 
cleaning up local parks, mentoring the formerly incarcerated, or 
helping out with Messias Temple Church's expansive ``We Care We Share'' 
ministry--Bishop Grayson provides compassion to those who need it the 
most. Never once in his thirty years has he given up in the face of a 
challenge.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Bishop 
Harry S. Grayson, a pillar of our community, a son of Ypsilanti, a 
leader, and a man of true faith. We extend our thanks to his family for 
their everlasting support--his wife First Lady Mary Grayson, and his 
children Evan, Maya, and Shari. We join with his congregation, friends, 
and family in wishing Bishop Grayson the best in the years to come and 
thank him for his work in bettering the community for us all.

                          ____________________