[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 6674-6675]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING DR. DAVID MATTHEWS

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 13, 2015

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
late Dr. David Matthews. A native of Indianola, Mississippi, Dr. 
Matthews left an impact on all whom he encountered through his work as 
a pastor, teacher, and elected official.
  A World War II Veteran, Matthews returned to Indianola Colored High 
School in 1946 to complete his high school diploma. Upon completion of 
his diploma, Dr. Matthews completed his studies at Morehouse College in 
1950, and continued his studies at the Atlanta University, Memphis 
Theological Seminary, Delta State University, and Reformed Theological 
Seminary.
  Matthews served as pastor at Bell Grove Missionary Baptist Church and 
Stranger's

[[Page 6675]]

Home Missionary Baptist Church in 1958, where he served until his 
death. Matthews also worked as a teacher for thirty-three years. He 
also served as the first Black Democratic Election Commissioner for 
Sunflower County, first Black Deputy Chancery Clerk of Sunflower 
County, first Black Honorary Deputy Sheriff and an original member of 
Indianola's biracial committee formed during the Civil Rights Era. He 
also served on the Governor's Commission of Mississippi.
  Dr. Matthews received his honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Natchez 
College, Doctorate of Humanities from Mississippi Industrial College 
and Doctorate of Divinity from Morris Booker College. On April 15, he 
left behind a loving and devoted wife of 64 years, Lillian, one 
daughter, and five grandchildren. Dr. David Matthews spent the entirety 
of his life serving others for the benefit of his greater community. He 
is one of the finest Mississippians, and he will be missed.

                          ____________________