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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E637-E638]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING THE LIFE OF REVEREND DR. GEORGE W.C. RICHARDSON, JR.
______
HON. TERRI A. SEWELL
of alabama
in the house of representatives
Thursday, July 16, 2020
Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life
and legacy of Reverend Dr. George Washington Carver Richardson, Jr., a
learned and devoted man of faith whose bravery in and commitment to the
Civil Rights Movement helped guide the moral trajectory of Alabama, our
nation and the world.
Born in Geiger, Alabama in Sumter County to George and Louise
Richardson, Reverend Richardson moved as a child to Gordo, Alabama
where he matriculated through the Pickens County School System. A
lifelong man of God, Reverend Richardson began preaching at the tender
age of four and was officially licensed to spread God's word by the age
of twelve. By sixteen, Reverend Richardson was pastoring several small
churches throughout the Alabama countryside.
Understanding the unparalleled value of a good education, Reverend
Richardson attended and received degrees from a number of schools
including his BA from Selma University; an ETA from Southeastern Bible
College; Bachelor of Theology from Sunshine Bible College, Master of
Divinity from Interdenominational Theological Institute; Master in
Religious Education from Sunshine Bible College, Doctor of Divinity
from New Era Seminary; Doctor of Humane Letters from Faith Grant
College, Existential Degree from Southeastern Bible College; and a LCU
Degree from Insurance Underwriters. He also studied at the following
schools: Temple University, Sanford University, Southern Christian
Bible College, Alabama Christian College, University Bible Institute
and Interdenominational Theological Institute.
Reverend Richardson spread his God-given gifts far and wide,
preaching throughout the United States and spreading the Gospel. He
conducted workshops, seminars, revivals and special preaching
engagements through which he met kings, princes, presidents and
dignitaries from across the globe. He served as Pastor at Maggie Branch
Baptist, Union Baptist, Shiloh Baptist and Mt Hebron Baptist. In 1979
he became Pastor of Hutchinson Missionary Baptist Church in Montgomery,
Alabama where he remained for forty-one years until his passing.
In addition to his work in the church, Reverend Richardson dedicated
himself to many community organizations including the NAACP, SCLC, the
Montgomery Improvement Association and the Future Leaders of Montgomery
County. He also served on the board of Star Management, Inc.; as
President and CEO of SCOM's Ministry; as Chairman of the Board of the
Survivor's Prison Ministry; on the Selma to Montgomery National
Historic Trail Advisory Council, and on the board of the Covenant
Family Ministries, Inc.
Reverend Richardson played an important role in the Civil Rights
Movement, belonging to an organization known as ``Friendly
Brethren's'', headed by Dr. F.D. Reese of Selma, Alabama. The five
members comprising this organization were at the forefront of
initiating the Selma Movement and were later supported by Dr. Martin
Luther King Jr. and the SCLC, who were sent in as support and who then
came to lead the Selma Movement. Reverend Richardson participated in
the many mass meetings, marches and demonstrations comprising the
movement, most notable the events of Bloody Sunday which would later
lead to the passage of the pivotal Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Reverend Richardson was also instrumental in the integration of the
University of
[[Page E638]]
Montevallo. In 1967 he moved to Bessemer, Alabama where he ran for
Mayor, making him the first African American to run for a major Alabama
political office, opening the door for many future generations of
African Americans in Alabama to run for office. As a result of his run,
he was taken and beaten by members of the KKK and left for dead, yet he
managed to survive and to thrive through the grace of God, continuing
to fight for truth and justice.
Reverend Richardson was blessed in marriage to Robbye Johnson
Richardson, to whom he was joyfully wed for fifty-six years. Together,
they shared three loving children, Pastor E. Steven Richardson
(Melanie), Georgina Richardson-Alexander (George) and Robert
Richardson; six grandchildren, Erica, Steven, Irven, Iven, Tiara and
Harmony; two extended grandchildren, Summer and Joshua; and twelve
greatgrandchildren.
On a personal note, I am very grateful for the guidance, prayers and
wise counsel that Reverend Richardson has provided me over the years.
Reverend Richardson was a steady anchor in the Montgomery community. As
pastor of Hutchinson Missionary Baptist Church, he provided strong
leadership to his congregation and made a big difference during his
over fifty years of ministerial and public service. Reverend Richardson
was a man of faith who lead by example May we find comfort in knowing
that his legacy will live on in the many lives that he impacted.
On behalf of Alabama's Seventh Congressional District, I ask my
colleagues to join me in celebrating the exemplary life and
accomplishments of Reverend Dr. George W.C. Richardson, Jr.
____________________