[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 5075-5076]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE REV. CHARLES A. LETT, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. TERRI A. SEWELL

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 27, 2014

  Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
the life and legacy of the Rev. Charles A. Lett, Jr., an Alabama native 
and exemplary public servant who passed away on Sunday, March 23, 2014. 
While we mourn the loss of this passionate man of faith, we are 
comforted in knowing that his lasting contributions to the state of 
Alabama and this nation will resonate for generations to come.
  Those in my home state will remember Rev. Lett for his role as a 
timeless pillar in the Selma, Alabama community. As one of our most 
visible figures, this man of God was a constant source of wisdom and 
guidance to those he served. Throughout the duration of his 
extraordinary life, he was forever guided by his faith and his call to 
ministry.
  Rev. Lett was born on September 25, 1914 in Florida to Charles A. 
Lett Sr. and Mrs. Elizabeth Lett. He was the couple's eighth child and 
was affectionately known as ``Little Charlie.'' He answered his call 
into ministry at an early age and went on to attend Selma University 
where he later earned a Doctorate of Divinity as he continued to grow 
in his faith and the word of God. He also obtained a Bachelor of Arts, 
a Bachelor of Divinity and a Doctor of Law at Selma University.
  Rev. Lett was also a dynamic educator. He earned his teaching 
certificate from the Alabama State Teachers College before launching a 
successful career with Baldwin County schools that would span ten 
years. During that time, he also served as principal of Douglasville 
High School in Bay Minette, Alabama. He later taught at his beloved 
Alma Mater, Selma University and was eventually named chairman of the 
school's board of trustees. He was also a past member and president of 
the Selma City School Board.
  Rev. Lett never relinquished his passion for ministry. Over the 
course of his influential lifetime, Rev. Lett served as pastor to 
churches in Baldwin, Monroe and Escambia counties before his journey 
led him to Green Street Baptist Church in Selma. At the time of his 
death, he was Pastor Emeritus of Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in 
Selma where he spent many years growing and nurturing his congregation 
and his lifelong ministry. His commitment to faith and service allowed 
him to ascend to various leadership positions. He served as president 
of the Southwest District State Convention for more than 48 years and 
was past executive secretary of the Alabama Baptist State Convention.
  Beyond the walls of the church, Rev. Lett contributed greatly to his 
community through his work as chaplin of the Selma City Council, 
president of the Selma Interracial Alliance, and a lifetime member of 
the local chapter of the NAACP. Rev. Lett was also a member of the 
board of directors and vice president of Citizens Federal Bank in 
Birmingham, Alabama.
  As we honor this American hero we are reminded of the indelible mark 
he has left on

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this nation. We pay homage to his legacy by saluting his notable 
contributions. This trailblazer taught us that leadership through faith 
and service can leave a lasting impact. I ask my colleagues to join me 
in celebrating the life and legacy of the Rev. Charles A. Lett, Jr.

                          ____________________