[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1319-E1320]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF REV. DR. WILLIAM R. SAUNDERS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELISSA SLOTKIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 20, 2024

  Ms. SLOTKIN. Mr. Speaker, today I honor the remarkable life and 
legacy of Rev. Dr. William R. Saunders, a trailblazer who broke 
barriers as the first Black full-time chaplain in a correctional 
institution in the United States. His steadfast commitment to faith and 
community left a profound impact on Michigan and beyond.
  Born in Selma, North Carolina in 1917, William Saunders dedicated his 
life to ministry and service. He earned a Bachelor of Theology degree 
from Lynchburg Theological Seminary and College in Virginia, pursued 
further studies at Hartford Seminary in Connecticut, and was later 
awarded an honorary doctorate from Temple University in Illinois.
  He became a minister of the gospel and was ordained in 1941 by the 
late Doctor A.B. Johnson, Superintendent of Missions of the General 
Baptist State Convention of North Carolina. In 1948, he made his way to 
Michigan, where he served as Assistant Minister of Second Baptist 
Church in Detroit. It was during this period of his life, in 1952, that 
he married his beloved wife, Mary E. Debnam.
  Two years later, in April 1950, Rev. Saunders made history when he 
was appointed Chaplain of the State Prison of Southern Michigan. His 
tenure spanned 34 years, working under eight wardens and alongside 
twelve other chaplains before retiring in 1985. In a role defined by 
his compassion and resolve, Chaplain Saunders ministered to 
incarcerated individuals, offering guidance, spiritual support, and 
hope for renewal.
  Rev. Saunders' influence extended far beyond the prison walls. He 
founded and pastored Southside Baptist Church in Jackson, Michigan, and 
held leadership roles with numerous community organizations. He served 
as President of Family Service, President of Potential Developmental 
Homes, Inc., and Board Member of the Inner City Child Day Care Center. 
A committed civic leader, he was an active member of the NAACP, Civitan 
International, and the Jackson County Ministerial Association, where he 
served as Treasurer. His dedication to public service earned him 
recognition from President Gerald Ford for his contributions as a 
member of the United States Draft Board.
  A passionate advocate for youth and education, Rev. Saunders 
supported the Boy Scouts of America and served on the Jackson Public 
School Advisory Committee, where he helped empower generations of young 
leaders.

[[Page E1320]]

  Rev. Saunders' decades of tireless efforts to uplift others 
exemplified his compassion, integrity, and dedication to service. 
Though he passed away in 1987, his values live on through his three 
children, Theresa, William, and Anne (Percy Brown), as well as his two 
grandchildren, Jason and Haile.
  It is with deep respect and gratitude that I celebrate the life of 
the Rev. Dr. William R. Saunders and recognize his legacy. May his 
example continue to inspire those who seek to serve others and foster 
positive change in our communities.

                          ____________________