|
September 29, 2010
Mr. SCOTT of Virginia: Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Bishop Samuel Green, Jr., Pastor of St. Johns Church in Newport News, Virginia. This is the 50th anniversary of Bishop Green's service to St. Johns and the people of Newport News, and I would like to take this moment to recognize some of his numerous accomplishments during that time.
A native of Norfolk, Virginia, Bishop Green is a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School. He studied at both Norfolk State University and Old Dominion University, and received his Master's in Divinity and Doctorate of Ministry from Norfolk Seminary and College. Bishop Green married his childhood sweetheart, Vivian Frazier Green in 1946. They were married for 61 years and had nine children. A true partner in his ministry, Mrs. Green passed away in 2007.
Bishop Green became pastor of St. Johns in 1960. In this position, Bishop Green has been an extraordinary shepherd over a vibrant and growing flock. He has served on countless church and community boards and commissions, and his exceptional service has earned him honors and citations from the Clergy Economic Education Foundation, the Southeastern Tidewater Opportunity Project, and the cities of Norfolk and Roanoke. Bishop Green has received an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Trinity Hall College and Seminary and an Honorary Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies.
In 1973, Bishop Green was appointed Prelate of the Second Jurisdiction, State of Virginia, by the Presidium Board of the Churches of God in Christ, Inc. He was named successor to his mentor, the late Bishop D. Lawrence Williams. Under Bishop Green's leadership, the 52 church jurisdiction has grown to 72 churches. In 1984, Bishop Green was elected to the General Board of the Churches of God in Christ, Inc. He is currently serving his sixth term in office.
In 1978, Bishop Green announced to his congregation that he had been called to establish the Faith for Living Television Outreach Ministry. Starting with a group of 120 supporters, the ministry has grown to the point where Rev. Green now owns WJCB TV-49. The ministry, honored by the National Religious Broadcasters Association, sponsors a television program that airs nationally on the Inspirational Cable Network (INSP) on Sunday mornings.
On the occasion of his 50th anniversary, it gives me great pleasure to recognize and commend Bishop Samuel L. Green, Jr. for his service and dedication to the parishioners of St. Johns Church of God in Christ, the people of Newport News, and the Commonwealth of Virginia. |
