[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15429]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO REVEREND S.L. ROBERSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN D. DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 20, 2006

  Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
tremendous works of Reverend S.L. Roberson, of Ypsilanti, Michigan as 
he marks his 52nd year of service to his church and his community.
  Born in Moundville, Alabama, Reverend Roberson moved to Ypsilanti 
when he was two years old and has remained there since. He attended 
school in Ypsilanti and went to Eastern Michigan University for his 
undergraduate degree and continued his education at Detroit Bible 
College, ultimately earning his Doctorate of Divinity at Urban Bible 
College.
  While honorably serving his country in the United States Marine 
Corps, the Reverend formed the unique perspective he has on the world, 
one that would help him in his decision to serve his fellow man. After 
his military service, Mr. Roberson went to work for Ford Motor Company 
in their Labor Relations and Personnel Services of Industrial Relations 
Department ultimately staying for 33 years. Through this position, he 
was able to help many individuals find employment, in turn bettering 
their own lives. The Reverend's other services are numerous, including 
posts as Treasurer of the Huron Valley District Association and 
President of the Ypsilanti Housing Commission.
  In 1954, Reverend Roberson heard the call to service and became the 
Pastor of the Metropolitan Memorial Baptist Church in Ypsilanti. He has 
stayed with Metropolitan Baptist for 52 years and by every account his 
service has been productive. He provides leadership and moral guidance 
for his congregation, in turn leading the community through his 
example. His tenure has been so successful that he has received the 
Lawyers Association's Liberty Bell, the Ypsilanti Police Department's 
Honor Award, the Washtenaw Community College's Service Award and the 
city of Ypsilanti has designated December 14th as Reverend S.L. 
Roberson day. His faith also led him to serve as Chaplain of the 
Ypsilanti Police Department.
  Reverend Roberson is a man of faith who embodies the characteristics 
of service, love and decency. I am glad and fortunate to know the 
Reverend and the people of Ypsilanti have truly benefited from such an 
upstanding and committed civic and spiritual leader. I thank the 
Reverend for his service and wish him the best in his future endeavors.

                          ____________________