Floor Speech2026-03-05

HONORING THE INSTALLATION OF BISHOP JULIUS HARRISON McALLISTER, JR.

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Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 42 (Thursday, March 5, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 42 (Thursday, March 5, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E194] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE INSTALLATION OF BISHOP JULIUS HARRISON McALLISTER, JR. ______ HON. TERRI A. SEWELL of alabama in the house of representatives Thursday, March 5, 2026 Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Bishop Julius Harrison McAllister, Jr., who, at the Fifty-Second Quadrennial Session of the General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in Columbus, Ohio, was elected and consecrated as the 144th Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and now serves as the Presiding Prelate of the Ninth Episcopal District, which includes the State of Alabama. A fourth-generation preacher and lifelong churchman, Bishop McAllister answered the call of the ministry in 1992, shortly before his graduation from South Carolina State University, where he received his baccalaureate degree in criminal justice. He later continued his educational journey at Turner Theological Seminary, where he earned his Master of Divinity degree, and Chicago Theological Seminary, where he earned his Doctor in Ministry. The son of Supervisor Joan McAllister, Bishop McAllister holds a unique place in AME history. He and his father, Bishop Julius Harrison McAllister, Sr., stand as the only father and son to serve concurrently in active episcopal ministry since the founding of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1787 and its incorporation in 1816, marking a moment of profound generational legacy in the life of the Church. A dedicated servant of God, Bishop McAllister has devoted 32 years to pastoral ministry, 16 of which were spent at Bethel AME Church in Tallahassee, Florida, where he led a ministry of strong spiritual formation, stewardship, and impact. During his 16-year pastorate, Bishop McAllister received 1,300 new members into the church, strengthened Christian stewardship with a strong emphasis on tithing, and guided the congregation in raising two million dollars annually in tithes and offerings. Additionally, he oversaw the construction of 85 single-family homes at a cost of fifteen million dollars, helped more than 1,000 men and women overcome drug and alcohol addiction through the Christ-centered ``A Life Recovery Center,'' and developed a ten- acre church campsite. Bishop McAllister also served as pastor of Greater Institutional AME Church in Chicago, Illinois, where he launched the Come Home for Christmas Ministry, serving over 5,000 homeless men and women and providing more than 2,000 children with a clothing shopping spree at Target or Sears at a cost of $750,000 to support needy families during the Christmas season. As the President Prelate of the Ninth Episcopal District, Bishop McAllister leads with compassion, integrity, and a deep commitment to shepherding God's people. His pastorate is distinguished by a shepherd's heart; being present with his members, ministering to them through life's joys and sorrows, and building ministries that nurture spiritual growth, Christian stewardship, community outreach, and holistic support for families. On a personal note, as a daughter of Selma, Alabama, and lifelong member of the historic Brown Chapel AME Church, I know that it was within the sacred walls of the Black Church that our foremothers and forefathers organized and strategized for the rights and freedoms we enjoy today. As the President Prelate of the 9th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Bishop McAllister has carried forward that proud legacy in the ongoing pursuit of justice. That is why I am proud to recognize his faithful leadership, ministry, and service as we commemorate the 61st anniversary of Bloody Sunday. On behalf of Alabama's 7th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Bishop Julius Harrison McAllister, Jr., as the President Prelate of the Ninth Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. ____________________

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