[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 180 (Wednesday, October 29, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7826-S7827]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO REVEREND DR. ROY L. MANNING, SR.

 Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I rise today to honor Reverend Dr. 
Roy L. Manning, Sr., a devoted spiritual leader, educator, and 
community advocate from Saginaw, MI, as he retires after 33 years as 
pastor of Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church. For more than three 
decades, Reverend Dr. Manning has shaped the spiritual and academic 
lives of generations through his commitment to faith, education, and 
service.
  Born in Lamont, MS, Reverend Dr. Manning's journey was defined early 
by excellence in athletics, scholarship, and leadership. At Lane 
College, he earned NAIA All-American honors in basketball in 1968 and 
received the J.A. Cooke Award, the school's highest athletic honor. His 
success led to rare dual selections by both the Dallas Chaparrals of 
the American Basketball Association and the San Diego Rockets of the 
National Basketball Association.
  After earning his bachelor of science from Lane College and a master 
of arts from Central Michigan University, he served 34 years in Saginaw 
Public Schools as teacher, coach, attendance counselor, and vice 
principal of Central Middle School. His exceptional influence on 
students was recognized when the school gymnasium was named in his 
honor following his retirement from education.
  While shaping young minds, Reverend Dr. Manning also answered the 
call to ministry under the late Reverend Dr. James L. Dorsey. Beginning 
as assistant pastor of Greater Freewill Missionary Baptist Church, he 
later became pastor of Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church, where he 
faithfully served for 33 years. His ministry reached beyond his 
congregation through leadership as past moderator of the Saginaw Valley 
Baptist District Association, past president of the Wolverine State 
Missionary Baptist Convention, and as a certified instructor for the 
National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.
  Reverend Dr. Manning's community impact extended far beyond the 
pulpit. As past president of the Saginaw Valley District Congress of 
Christian Education and instructor at the Wolverine State Pastors and 
Wives Retreat, he mentored future leaders. For 7 years, he edited the 
CMBC Informer quarterly newsletter without missing an issue, reflecting 
his hallmark discipline and dedication. He also championed civil rights 
and social justice as a Silver Life Member of the NAACP, a member of 
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., and

[[Page S7827]]

an active participant in the Concerned Baptist Pastors of Saginaw.
  Throughout his lifetime, Reverend Dr. Manning has been recognized for 
his leadership and dedication to both education and ministry. In 1979, 
he received the Governor's Award from the State of Michigan. In 2007, 
he was honored with the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Award, 
connecting his work to the broader legacy of civil rights and justice. 
In 2015, he was awarded a doctor of humane letters from the Tennessee 
School of Religion, acknowledging his scholarly contributions to faith 
and community.
  Reverend Dr. Roy L. Manning, Sr., exemplifies the power of faith-led 
leadership. From NAIA All-American athlete to dedicated educator and 
spiritual shepherd, his influence continues through the students he 
taught, the parishioners he guided, and the leaders he inspired. I ask 
the Senate to join me, his wife First Lady Beatrice Manning, their 
children and grandchildren, and the Saginaw community in celebrating 
his extraordinary career and enduring legacy.

                          ____________________