The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“TRIBUTE TO REVEREND LEWIS GUNTER” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the in the Extensions of Remarks section section on page E45 on Jan. 24.
The Department is primarily focused on food nutrition, with assistance programs making up 80 percent of its budget. Downsizing the Federal Government, a project aimed at lowering taxes and boosting federal efficiency, said the Department implements too many regulations and restrictions and impedes the economy.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
TRIBUTE TO REVEREND LEWIS GUNTER
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HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN
of south carolina
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, January 24, 2023
Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a beloved faith and community leader. Reverend Lewis Gunter transitioned from this life on January 11, 2023, but indelible mark on the State of South Carolina remains.
Rev. Gunter was born on April 13, 1930, in Lexington County, South Carolina to the late Mr. Cellus and Mrs. Beulah Gunter. He attended public school in Lexington County before moving to Aiken, South Carolina, where he graduated from Schofield High School. He pursued higher education at Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina. He was committed to helping those in need and earned his bachelor's degree in social work.
Rev. Gunter got his early spiritual education at Hall Hill Baptist Church in Pelion, South Carolina. The first church he pastored was Mt. Olive Baptist Church, in Gadsden, South Carolina. He would continue to preach the gospel in Richland County, pastoring Gill Creek Baptist Church in Columbia, South Carolina, and Jerusalem Baptist Church in Hopkins, South Carolina. On October 20, 1976, Rev. Gunter founded Gunter's Chapel Baptist Church with 22 charter members in a temporary space. Under his leadership the congregation grew and prospered, and in 1993 the church opened the doors of its newly-built sanctuary. Throughout his career, he traveled the country conducting revivals and was active in several Christian organizations. After loyally guiding his congregation for 46 years and serving in the Ministry for 60 years, Rev. Gunter retired in 2022. I was pleased to be invited by his family and friends to keynote the retirement banquet that was held in his honor.
He lived out his values through other channels of service to his community, city, state, and country. He served in the U.S. Navy for four years, in addition to his work with the U.S. Postal Service. Rev. Gunter was deeply connected to the land and was elected to serve as the Soil and Water District Commissioner for Richland County for six years. He additionally served as Minority Advisor for the Department of Agriculture for Calhoun and Richland Counties and was the state chaplain for the South Carolina Soil and Water Conservation.
Rev. Gunter was a dedicated family man and was married to Lue E. Pearson Gunter for fifty-five years before her passing. They are lovingly remembered by their son, three grandchildren, and seven great-
grandchildren.
Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in honoring the life of Reverend Lewis Gunter. He faithfully pastored those in his congregation, dedicating his life to his church and his community. His legacy will live on in all those who were blessed to know him.
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