Honoring Reverend Wroten McQuirter, Sr.

HONORING REVEREND WROTEN McQUIRTER, SR. -- (Extensions of Remarks - November 16, 2004)

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize a distinguished religious educator with over 50 years of dedicated service to the Clinton, Jackson, Bolton, and Terry communities in the State of Mississippi, the Reverend Wroten McQuirter, Sr.

Rev. Wroten McQuirter, Sr., is known throughout the State as more than just a pastor, but as a social activist, counselor, supporter, leader, and most importantly as a friend. In 1970, he began his religious training at the Mississippi Baptist Seminary, Jackson, Mississippi, and in 1973, Reverend McQuirter received his bachelor of theology degree from Natchez College.

Throughout Reverend McQuirter's pastoral tenure from 1957 to 2004, he has served in various positions including the dean and moderator of the Original J.M.B. District Association; president of the Hinds County Council for Church and Social Action; president of the Clinton Ministerial Workers Council, dean of the Congress of Christian Education; board member of the National Baptist Convention U.S.A., Inc., president of the Terry Ministerial Fellowship, and member of the Moderator Department of the National Baptist Convention, U.S.A., Inc.

In addition to his pastoral duties and responsibilities, Reverend McQuirter has been a great asset to the communities in Mississippi. He has served as an active leader and organizer for Hinds County Communities in the fight for equality. He has been an activist with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, NAACP, for more than four decades. He led the movement for desegregation in the Clinton Public School District in 1968, whereby his two younger children were among the first six black students to enroll in Clinton Park Elementary School.

Although retired, he is not retired. Reverend McQuirter, who recently celebrated his 82nd birthday on October 23, remains actively involved in Christian education ministering to the needs of others. He teaches bible class at the Clinton Community Christian Corporation as well as bible study at Pleasant Green Church. He also teaches several courses in church leadership schools offered by various churches.

Please join me in congratulating Rev. Wroten McQuirter, Sr., on 50 years of distinguished service. It is in achievement that brings pride not only to his local community, but to the whole State of Mississippi and the Nation. .