Honoring Reverend Lee M. Seward

HONORING REVEREND LEE M. SEWARD -- (Extensions of Remarks - September 09, 2004)

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a dedicated and righteous South Carolinian on the occasion of his retirement from the ministry after 60 years of distinguished service. Reverend Lee M. Seward will leave his position as the Presiding Elder of the Lancaster District, Columbia Conference of the Seventh Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church on September 17, 2004, and he will be sorely missed.

Lee Seward was born one of ten children to Mr. and Mrs. William Seward of Andrews, South Carolina. He grew up in this large family that treasured education and faith, and these virtues shaped his future path.

Reverend Sewards love of learning led him to earn a Bachelor's degree from Allen University in Columbia, South Carolina and a Master's from South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, South Carolina. He pursued further study at the University of South Carolina in Columbia.

In 1967, Reverend Seward was awarded a National Defense Education Act (N.D.E.A.) Fellowship to study Linguistics at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. He did his theological training at Dickerson Theological Seminary at Allen University.

In addition to his education, Reverend Seward also learned many of life's lessons during his service in World War II. His commitment to serve his country further manifested itself in his lifelong dedication to education and to his church.

Reverend Seward embarked on a duel career teaching English for 13 years at Roberts High School in Holly Hill, and a combined 12 years teaching at Sanders Middle School and Alcorn Middle School in Columbia, while also serving in the ministry. Eventually the ministry became his primary focus, and he pastored at churches throughout the Midlands and in Charleston.

During his distinguished career, Reverend Seward served as the Presiding Elder of the Columbia District, Kingstree District, Spartanburg District, Georgetown District and Lancaster District for the AME Church in South Carolina. The extensive scope of his ministry is evidence of his extraordinary talent and dedication to his calling.

Reverend Seward, a community activist, is a lifetime Member of the N.A.A.C.P. and has been active in numerous religious and political organizations as well. I number him among my most valued friends and mentors.

He was married to the late Lula Pressley Seward, who was also a good friend and mentor to me.

The two of them had seven children, six boys and one girl. They have three granddaughters, three grandsons, and one great grandson.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and our colleagues to join me in congratulating Reverend Seward on his tremendous contributions to the ministry. As a teacher and a minister, he has set a very high standard that I hope future generations will seek to emulate.