[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5858]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                    THE REVEREND DR. ERROL A. HARVEY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 13, 2000

  Ms. Velazquez. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize a man whose faith 
defined his character and whose character is considered a model for 
modern social justice.
  Mr. Speaker, Helen Keller once said, ``Character cannot be developed 
in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can 
the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.''
  The Reverend Dr. Errol A. Harvey was born in the great city of Grand 
Rapids, Michigan in 1943. As the second of four sons born to Fred and 
Elizabeth Harvey, young Errol lived in Grand Rapids until 1965 when he 
graduated from Aquinas College with a degree in history and political 
science.
  However, Errol, whose character was shaped at a very early age by the 
death of his dear mother Elizabeth, decided to answer the call of his 
faith and his God. Father Harvey entered Seabury-Western Theological 
Seminary and received a Bachelor's of Divinity degree in 1969. His work 
as a Catholic Priest took him from the Trinity Cathedral Church in 
Newark, New Jersey to Dorchester, Massachusetts to the infamous Bronx 
in New York.
  And in every area in which he has lived, worked and taught, Father 
Harvey has left a legacy of community leadership, social justice and 
acted as a tireless champion of those who are less fortunate.
  For instance, while Vicar of St. Andrew's Church in the Bronx, Father 
Harvey was instrumental in building St. Andrew's House, a 75 unit 
apartment complex for senior citizens and the physically challenged. 
St. Andrew's House became a beacon in a community long known as one of 
the poorest areas in New York City and in America.
  Throughout his life, Father Harvey, armed with the courage of his 
convictions and the strength of his character, became a pioneer in the 
fight against homelessness, police brutality, labor exploitation and 
worldwide human rights abuses. He has fought against racial injustice 
and has been a vocal advocate for people with disabilities and those 
suffering from AIDS.
  Today, Father Harvey continues to serve his adopted home of New York 
City as a member of the Board of Directors of Housing Works, Inc, the 
largest provider of housing and services for people with AIDS.
  And while he has never sought out praise or any kind of honor, Father 
Harvey has been honored with such esteemed honors as the Outstanding 
Service Award from the Council of Churches of the City of New York and 
The Reverend Patrick D. Walker Leadership Award given by the Black 
Caucus of the Dioceses of New York.
  And today, we honor Father Harvey one more time. Not with a glowing 
award or gold statue, but with a simple ``Thank You and God Bless You 
Father.''

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