The publication is reproduced in full below:
IN HONOR OF THE LIFE OF REV. DR. GARTHER ROBERSON, JR.
______
HON. DEBBIE DINGELL
of michigan
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, May 11, 2021
Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Reverend Doctor Garther Roberson, Jr. of Ypsilanti, Michigan. His lifetime of service and dedication to our community is worthy of commendation.
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May 11, 2021, on page E495, the following appeared: Mr. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Reverend Doctor Garther Roberson, Jr. of Ypsilanti, Michigan.
The online version has been corrected to read: Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Reverend Doctor Garther Roberson, Jr. of Ypsilanti, Michigan.
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Rev. Roberson was born in Ypsilanti, Michigan on August 1, 1927, the fifth child of Pastor Garther Roberson, Sr. and Estella Roberson. He attended Ypsilanti Public Schools and after graduation in 1948, went on to serve his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. He earned the Korean Services Medals of Honor with the Bronze Star and an Overseas Bar. Rev. Roberson was educated at Washtenaw Community College, Moody Bible College, Trinity College, and William Tyndale College. He was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree from the Tennessee School of Religion (Ypsilanti Extension) in 1999.
As a member of the Second Baptist Church in Ypsilanti, he served as director of the youth department, Sunday school superintendent, and as Deacon until he was called to serve as Reverend in 1979. Rev. Roberson also served as Pastor at Mount Olive Baptist Church in Ypsilanti. He was known for his love for the community and the people he served. His warmth and joyful personality led to him being a trusted confidante for not only the congregation of his church, but for local youth and community leaders as well.
A leader not only in the faith community, Rev. Roberson was a fixture in Washtenaw County, serving as President of the Minister's Alliance and as President for Joint Operational Services for a Human Urban Alliance (JOSHUA). Rev. Roberson was the longest serving member of the Minister's Alliance and was presented with a Congregational Certificate of Honor Founder's Day Award by Pastor Phillip Farrell. In 1996, he was chosen to deliver the Invocation for former President William Jefferson Clinton during his visit to Eastern Michigan University. Additionally, he served on the boards of the NAACP, Hope Clinic, the Students and Friends of Washtenaw County Community College, and the Huron Valley District Christian Academy. Many honors bear his name; In Ypsilanti, March 15th to 17th is known as ``Reverend Garther Roberson, Jr. Week'' and April 4, 2003 is known as ``Garther Roberson Day'' and each year, JOSHUA awards the ``Rev. Dr. Garther Roberson Community Leadership Award'' to outstanding leaders in the area.
Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Reverend Doctor Garther Roberson, Jr., a pillar of our community, a native son of Ypsilanti, and a man of true faith. He will be deeply missed but has left behind a lasting legacy. Our thoughts are with his friends, family, and congregation at this time.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 81
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