On the recordAugust 1, 2013
Madam President, today I wish to honor and remember the full life of Congressman William H. Gray, III, and his exceptional service to his community, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and our country. Bill was born in Baton Rouge, LA, the second child of Dr. William H. Gray, Jr., and Hazel Gray. Though he spent the first 8 years of his life in Florida, Bill moved to Philadelphia in 1949 and remained a distinguished resident of our Commonwealth until his recent passing. Bill was a pastor and shepherd for his congregation, a respected member of the U.S. House of Representatives, and a powerful advocate for higher education. Today we honor his life, his good works, and his legacy. As a pastor, Bill followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather and led Philadelphia's Bright Hope Baptist Church for more than 33 years. Knowing that the ministry was not just something you did on Sunday morning, Bill always believed strongly in the principle of a ``whole ministry,'' that the church must tend to all the needs of its entire congregation. Under Bill's leadership, that congregation quickly grew to over 4,000 parishioners, but Bill remained committed to his ``whole ministry'' and made sure to continue his important advocacy work on issues ranging from housing, to economic justice, to excellent education for all.…
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