[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 8]
[House]
[Page 11120]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING REVEREND TIMOTHY WRIGHT

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. Towns) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Reverend Timothy 
Wright, a loving husband, a dedicated father, faithful pastor, and 
compassionate humanitarian. Grammy-nominated singer and composer, and 
also my dear friend.
  Sadly, last week, Reverend Wright, the founder of the Grace 
Tabernacle Christian Center in Brooklyn, passed away. He had suffered 
for nearly a year with complications resulting from a tragic traffic 
accident that claimed the life of his wife, grandson, and of course the 
driver who hit his car head on.
  Despite his struggles against improbable odds, having undergone 
numerous surgeries, Reverend Wright maintained unwavering faith in his 
God, even in the darkest hour.

                              {time}  1845

  Through his example, he showed us that, although he was physically 
down, he was spiritually vibrant.
  Committed to his professed calling in life, one of the reverend's 
main desires in his last days was to return to his Brooklyn pulpit 
where he could encourage his congregants. I believe that his ability to 
be selfless during great suffering is evidence of a man who treasured, 
loved and lived life to the fullest that way as well.
  Rev. Wright understood and demonstrated that life is not defined by 
everyday circumstances, nor is it about one's accomplishments. He 
defined life by his love for people. Rev. Wright's life was embodied in 
the example of the way he treated people and by the sacrifices he made 
for his family, for his church and for the Brooklyn community. It was 
not uncommon to find him giving tirelessly for a charitable cause, 
lending an ear to someone in despair or even extending personal 
resources to help anyone who needed him. He reached out to those 
society had thrown away. The reverend thought that adversity kept you 
humble and that sacrifice was a way to demonstrate faith in God's 
promise.
  Many the world over will remember the surmountable feats Rev. Wright 
accomplished as a renowned musician. Having released more than a dozen 
gospel albums over the span of his 40-year career, Rev. Wright's songs 
of praise and worship were a blessing to all who had an opportunity to 
hear and to experience the testimonies he shared through his music. 
From his 1984 song ``Testify'' to his Grammy-nominated album ``Come 
Thou Almighty King,'' Rev. Wright's music touched millions all around 
the world. His final one was ``Jesus, Jesus.'' That was a tremendous 
record, and of course, many people were able to purchase it and to know 
him in terms of what he was all about.
  Born and raised in Brooklyn's Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood, the 
passing of Rev. Wright is a great loss to Brooklynites, to New Yorkers 
and to, in fact, the world over because of his humanitarian spirit and, 
of course, his dedicated life in terms of how he felt and served 
people. He was an important voice and tireless advocate, concerned 
about the everyday issues that strangled his fellow neighbors. He hoped 
for the things his community hoped for, and he cared about the things 
that his parishioners cared about--family, friends and community.
  The immeasurable contributions and countless investments that Rev. 
Wright made in the lives of people will far outlive his time on this 
Earth. Now absent in life, he will remain forever with us as his music, 
message and his legacy live on.
  Let me just conclude by saying, ``Sleep on, Rev. Wright. Sleep on. 
You truly made a difference, and I'm happy to have had an opportunity 
to know you and to live during your lifetime.''

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