[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 8]
[Senate]
[Page 10924]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO R. GERALD DAVIDSON

 Mr. TALENT. Mr. President, I rise today in recognition of a 
remarkable Missourian. The First Baptist Church of Arnold, MO, has 
announced the retirement of its longtime and much beloved pastor, R. 
Gerald Davidson. Dr. Davidson has served as a pastor for the last 50 
years, the last thirty of which, he has dedicated to the First Baptist 
Church of Arnold.
  Dr. Gerald Davidson is a visionary leader and has been instrumental 
in furthering and directing the ministry of the church. Today, the 
First Baptist Church of Arnold is the third largest church in the 
Missouri Southern Baptist Convention. Dr. Davidson's personal 
dedication to the gospel has never faltered, and his own personal 
example has set the standard for both his church members and Baptist 
leadership throughout the Nation.
  In fact, Dr. Davidson's vision and his good works have reached 
throughout the world. On numerous mission trips he has preached the 
gospel in Mexico, Haiti, Jamaica, South Africa, Taiwan, Brazil, 
Indonesia, Russia, Romania, Belarus, Slovenia, Croatia, Bolivia, India, 
Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and Kenya.
  However, Dr. Davidson's dedication starts at home. He has been 
married to his wife Verlena Stone Davidson for 51 years. She has been 
an equal partner in the ministry, serving side by side with her 
husband. The Davidson's have three children, Doug, Debbie, Darla, and 
are blessed with 10 grandchildren.
  Dr. Davidson's many accomplishments throughout his distinguished 
career are a result of hard work and dedication. The Arnold community 
joins me in appreciating Dr. Davidson's dedicated service.

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