Recognizing the Retirement of Pastor Ralph W. Emerson, Jr.

Floor Speech

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Mr. VEASEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the great tenure of Reverend Ralph W. Emerson, Jr., who will be conducting his last sermon at Rising Star Baptist Church on Miller Avenue and Avenue M in Fort Worth this August before he kicks off his retirement.

Reverend Emerson, better known as Pastor Ralph, was first called to preach in 1978 and was ordained that very year in December. He became the assistant pastor of Rising Star Baptist Church in 1989 and after 1 year he was called to be the senior pastor in 1990. During his illustrious tenure at Rising Star he has really served the community well. He made sure that kids know how to read, that souls are fed, and he has done a tremendous job.

Reverend Emerson has worked dutifully in several different capacities and several cities, including Compton, Houston, and Fort Worth. Prior to coming to Rising Star, he was an active member of Mount Moriah Baptist Church in Los Angeles and Faith Baptist in Houston.

Reverend Emerson is involved in so many different endeavors in the community: JPS, our public hospital, Aids Outreach, different food banks, and again, he does a tremendous reading program for kids in the summer.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Reverend Emerson on his retirement and the community thanks him for his service.

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