The Office of the Chaplain United States House of Representatives

Reverend Dr. S.L. Roberson

Metropolitan Baptist Church
Ypsilanti, MI

Sponsor: Rep. John Dingell, (D-MI)
Date of Prayer: 09/05/2007

One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:

The SPEAKER. Without objection, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Dingell) is recognized for 1 minute.

Mr. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I have the great privilege today of welcoming and thanking a dear friend, a distinguished American, and a wonderful clergyman to the House for the prayer, and I want to thank you and my colleagues for your courtesy to him.

I am delighted to present to my colleagues the wonderful gentleman from Ypsilanti, the Reverend S.L. Roberson , and I want to thank him for taking time to be with us today to act as our guest chaplain.

He has dedicated his life to the service of his fellow man and is one of the most beloved and respected pastors and citizens of the State of Michigan. He has been pastor of the Metropolitan Memorial Baptist Church in Ypsilanti for 53 years. He has served his country with great distinction as a member of the United States Marine Corps, of which he is very proud.

He has undergraduate degrees from Eastern Michigan University, has studied at Detroit Bible College, and has a doctorate of divinity from Urban Bible College so that he may more fully and better serve his fellow man.

In addition to his civic and spiritual service, he has worked for Ford Motor Company for 33 years in their Labor Relations and Personnel Services of Industrial Relations Department. He has found time to serve as president of the Ypsilanti Housing Commission and is chaplain of the Ypsilanti Police Department.

He is a wonderful individual to provide the opening prayer for the Congress because of his great life experiences and his wonderful service to his country, including distinguished service in the military. He has given his fellow citizens over 50 years of spiritual guidance, and he has administered God's word to civil servants and citizens alike all across Michigan.

I ask my colleagues to welcome this distinguished American, our guest chaplain, Rev. S.L. Roberson , and to welcome his wife and friends who are in the gallery today.

I thank you, Madam Speaker. We have before us a man of great respect and a real cornerstone to his community.

Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:

Almighty, All–wise, Ever–present, Gracious, and Merciful God,

We come today, prayerfully opening this session of the United States House of Representatives, offering thanksgiving to You.

We bless You, Magnify You, Exalt You, thank You, and praise You for Your world love and saving grace.

We pray that You will continue to bless America, building us up where we are torn down, strengthening us where we are weak, and drawing us closer together.

We ask that You cover this deliberating body with abundant wisdom and understanding, and that You lead, guide, and renew a right spirit in each member.

Direct these deliberations into meaningful, positive actions reflecting Your excellence in power, in judgment, in justice, in charity, and in equity for America and our global neighbors.

Finally, reveal and enlighten the best that is in each of us so that we may use our gifts to glorify You.

Amen.

To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory