[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 41 (Tuesday, March 4, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H951-H952]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING PHIL GINN
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from
South Carolina (Mr. Norman) for 5 minutes.
Mr. NORMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a truly remarkable
individual, Phil Ginn, whose unwavering commitment to his community has
been an inspiration to all of us who know him.
His lifetime of service to his family, to his faith, and to his
country has made him an institution in his community, and his influence
will be felt for generations to come.
Judge Ginn's pursuit of excellence began with his education. He
graduated magna cum laude from Appalachian State University and earned
his law degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
His legal career spanned over four decades, including 22 years as the
senior resident superior court judge for the 24th Judicial District in
North Carolina. Throughout his tenure, he upheld the rule of law with
wisdom, with fairness, and with integrity.
Judge Ginn's influence extended far beyond the courtroom, where he
not only delivered legal rulings but also mentored those around him,
always striving to instill truth and justice.
After retiring from the bench in 2014, Judge Ginn transitioned to the
business world as he purchased a struggling horizontal pump company in
Tulsa, Oklahoma. Over the next 3 years, with the help of key employees
and through exemplary leadership, he managed to turn the business into
one of the largest privately owned horizontal pump companies in the
United States.
In early 2018, Judge Ginn completed the sale of the company and
returned to his beloved mountains of western North Carolina.
It is not just in law and business where Judge Ginn's legacy is
found. His greatest passion has always been his faith. His devotion led
him to serve as chairman of the Southern Evangelical Seminary board of
trustees. In 2021, he assumed the role of the sixth president of the
board. Under his leadership, the seminary has continued its vital
mission to evangelize our culture as a defender and as a disciple of
the Christian faith.
Founded in 1992 by Dr. Norman Geisler and Dr. Ross Rhoads, Southern
Evangelical Seminary is widely recognized as one of the top 10
evangelical Christian seminaries in the country, offering accredited
programs rooted in a classical philosophy of education.
Recently, SES has further enhanced its national standing as one of
the premier evangelical seminaries in America through the establishment
and
[[Page H952]]
dedication of a new innovative training center in Rock Hill, South
Carolina. The center includes a state-of-the-art, fully digital campus
that serves as a thriving international body.
Throughout his accomplishments, Judge Ginn has remained a devoted
husband, a devoted father, and a devoted grandfather. He and his wife,
Lynn, have been married for over 40 years and have raised four
daughters, three sons-in-law, and five grandchildren, imparting to them
the same values of faith, service, and community that have helped shape
his life and legacy.
Above all of his many accomplishments, it is Judge Ginn's unwavering
faith in the Lord Jesus Christ that has truly defined his life. In his
courtroom, in his office, and in his personal life, the Holy Bible has
been a standard of truth, the source of all wisdom, and the promise
upon which he stands.
In dealing with his fellow man, he is a person who knows no
superiors. He is a person who knows no inferiors. He lives by the
values instilled in him at a young age by his parents, the Reverend and
Mrs. Charles Ginn, to treat others without regard for position or
power, respect elders and love children, work hard, speak the truth,
stand for the American flag and those who fight for our freedom, and
give generously but quietly.
Judge Ginn's life is a master class in respect, honor, and kindness,
and his legacy will be long remembered not just for his accomplishments
but for his character.
Judge Ginn's legacy of leadership, compassion, and commitment to
justice continues to inspire all who encounter him. He is a man who
lives by the Bible and is proof of: ``To whom much is given, much will
be required.''
On behalf of the people of South Carolina's Fifth Congressional
District, I extend my deepest congratulations to Judge Ginn and his
family on his well-deserved recognition. His life reminds us that true
leadership begins with being a good and honorable person.
Mr. Speaker, please join me in giving heartfelt thanks to Judge Phil
Ginn.
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