[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 13]
[House]
[Page 17977]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



  MOURNING THE PASSING OF REV. BOOKER T. SEARS OF SPARTANBURG, SOUTH 
                                CAROLINA

  (Mr. DeMINT asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. DeMINT. Mr. Speaker, every community has citizens that strive to 
improve the way of life for all those around them. They serve others 
because they want to, not because they have to.
  One such man was Reverend Booker T. Sears of Spartanburg, South 
Carolina. Last week Reverend Sears, a pioneer civil rights leader and 
respected community leader, passed away at his home. Reverend Sears was 
pastor of Thompson Street Baptist Church for nearly 50 years. His 
efforts within the community helped integrate public schools, 
desegregate public transportation, and develop many community 
improvement projects.
  Reverend Sears will be remembered as a man who truly cared about all 
those around him. During his career, he was a mentor to young pastors 
and a servant to everyone in the community.
  Reverend Sears is a testimony of one man making a difference in the 
lives of thousands, Mr. Speaker. We will miss Reverend Sears. It is now 
our time to carry on his mission off love and service.

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