Prepared Remarks for Alphonso Jackson Homegoing Service for Bishop G.E. Patterson
Memphis, Tennessee
Saturday, March 31, 2007

Information by State  Print version

Thank you. I am honored to join the many national and world leaders who have made this pilgrimage to Memphis.

We come to participate in a "Homegoing" Service, filled with thanksgiving for the life and work of Bishop G.E. Patterson.

And I do thank God for the life of this wonderful, inspirational man.

He truly was God's gift to us. It seems as if God made a fateful decision - to mold a man of inspiration, vision, and peace. He allowed this man to fill us with the spirit of God - to show us how to be more human, gentle, loving, and compassionate.

And, God wanted a man who would minister to the needy, the sick, the forgotten, and the underserved of our great nation.

He wanted someone who would reach out far beyond Memphis and Tennessee, to the world, through the entire electronic media.

It was as if God said, "Let me make a man who will be larger than life, full of life, full of energy and excitement."

He wanted a man who will unite the divided and help the meek to their just inheritance.

God gave us a man who thought outside the box, saw beyond the moment. And G.E. Patterson encouraged faith-based organizations to work together and to partner with the government to enhance their ability to serve.

God touched the soul of G.E. Patterson and through him profoundly touched us all.

Here we see his legacy at work. Today, thousands of people have come to the Temple of Deliverance. Right now, at this moment, the world listens to our words and songs over the radio, television, and the Internet.

We gather worldwide for Bishop Patterson, in his memory. And by doing this, we honor his life, his ministry, and his continuing presence.

I also thank Bishop Patterson's family for sharing him so generously with us. Mother (Louise) Patterson, thank you! I know how much he relied on you every day. All of us honor you as we honor this great man.

When I think of Bishop Patterson, I remember what William Shakespeare wrote in Romeo and Juliet "When he shall die, take him and cut him in little stars, and he shall make the face of heaven so fine. That all the world will be in love with the night and pay no worship to the garish sun."

I know he is smiling down on us now. He will always be a guiding light. Our country has been blessed to have the life and ministry of Bishop Patterson. He made our nation nobler, stronger, better, and more caring. He embodied the best of the American spirit.

That is why the President asked me to represent him today. America mourns this loss and remembers Bishop Patterson's great life and legacy.

The President asked me to read the following letter. It carries the sorrow of our nation and sincere appreciation for Bishop Patterson.

It reads as follows:

THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON

March 27, 2007

I send greetings to those gathered to celebrate the life of Bishop Gilbert E. Patterson.

On behalf of all Americans, Laura and I send our Prayers and heartfelt sympathy to Louise, the entire Patterson family, and all who loved Bishop Patterson. The Almighty welcomes him home, and he will long be remembered for his commitment to faith and his compassionate spirit.

We send our best wishes on this solemn occasion. May God bless you.