[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 65 (Thursday, April 10, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E308]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING DR. BISHOP T. GARROTT BENJAMIN, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ANDRE CARSON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 10, 2025

  Mr. CARSON. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Dr. Bishop T. Garrott 
Benjamin, Jr., a true servant leader who has embodied the spirit of 
advocacy and service. Dr. Benjamin's contributions have touched the 
lives of hundreds of thousands of Hoosiers, and it is with great pride 
that we congratulate him on receiving the Living Legend Award from 
Christian Theological Seminary on April 23, 2025.
  Dr. Benjamin served as Senior Pastor of the Light of the World 
Christian Church in Indianapolis for over 43 years. During his tenure, 
he mentored and ordained more than 50 ministers, many of whom have 
earned advanced theological degrees and serve in churches across the 
nation.
  Dr. Benjamin's influence beyond the pulpit earned him the title 
``City's Pastor,'' as he consistently advocated for racial justice, 
youth empowerment, and the well-being of all people. He also co-founded 
the Celebration of Hope, an interracial and interdenominational worship 
service, was the first pastor to chair the Mayor's Human Rights 
Commission, and sit on the board of directors of a local bank. Dr. 
Benjamin is the only pastor in Indianapolis to receive Indiana's 
``Sagamore of the Wabash'' from four different governors and earn the 
Indianapolis Whistler Award for community service.
  In retirement, Dr. Benjamin remains dedicated to inspiring and 
educating young ministers through the Tom Benjamin School of Ministry 
at Indiana Wesleyan University. A respected author, he has written 
several books focused on uplifting young Black men and emphasizing the 
crucial role of fathers.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Dr. Bishop T. Garrott 
Benjamin, whose legacy of service and leadership has made Indianapolis 
a better place for us all. May God continue to bless his future 
endeavors and the work he does in service to others.

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