The publication is reproduced in full below:
CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF BISHOP CHARLES E. DAVIS
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HON. BOBBY L. RUSH
of illinois
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, February 24, 2021
Mr. RUSH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate and celebrate the life of an extraordinary and influential figure from Chicago's South Side, Bishop Charles Edward Davis. A native of Leland, Mississippi, Bishop Davis's life was guided by service to his country, his community, and his faith. After graduating high school in 1940, Bishop Davis relocated to Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood, at the beginning of the Second Great Migration and the year before the United States entered World War II. Heeding the call to serve his country after the outbreak of war, Bishop Davis joined the U.S. Army at the age of 19, serving as a sergeant. In the Army, Bishop Davis would complete tours of duty in Germany, France, and Holland.
After the war, Bishop Davis would enter the upholstery business with his dear friend Brother James McDonald, a step which would lead him towards his lifetime of faith and good works. Brother McDonald's mother-in-law, Sister Anastasia Anderson, introduced him to the Indiana Avenue Pentecostal Church of God (IPC), and he became a member of the church in 1954 when it was under the pastorate of Elder Charles Ellis.
Recognizing the deep faith, commitment, and talent of Bishop Davis, Elder Ellis's successor, Elder Odee Akines, encouraged the further development of his faith and leadership. With Elder Akines at the helm of IPC, Bishop Davis served as the church's Sunday School superintendent, Young People's Leader, and President of the senior choir. By his side throughout his energetic leadership of the church was Dr. Geraldine Olivia Davis, his dear wife of 43 years until her passing in 1998. Bishop Davis was also a devoted father to a son, Larney Bush, Jr., and a daughter, Yolanda Davis.
After Elder Akines passed away in 1970, Bishop Davis was elected pastor of IPC. Himself a Doctor of Divinity and Master of Theology, Bishop Davis made this a central focus during his leadership of IPC, establishing scholarships and programs for young people seeking to further their educations in both the secular and Christian traditions. In 1986, Bishop Davis was elevated to the Bishopric by the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, serving as a Diocesan Bishop in New York State, Washington State, and Wyoming, eventually accepting a role as Diocesan of the 6th Episcopal District of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, their Illinois District Council, in 2008.
Bishop Davis would come to be widely recognized as one of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World's most exemplary leaders, admired both in Chicago and nationally for his character and conviction. This caused him to become fondly known as ``Chief.'' Bishop Davis was a mentor to many young people who came to his churches seeking salvation, and always conducted robust community outreach efforts, making sure that his good works did not only benefit IPC, but the entire neighborhood and city. Bishop Davis's work was recognized by the City of Chicago in 1992, when the 3500-3600 block of South Indiana Avenue was named in his honor.
In 2004, Bishop Davis became united in marriage with Dr. Jessie Davis, and they were inseparable from one another, always working together for the spiritual benefit of their community. They would remain by each other's sides until Dr. Davis's death in April of 2020.
Madam Speaker, on February 9th, Bishop Davis was called to heaven after a lifetime of good works. My deepest prayers and sympathies go out to Bishop Davis's family, friends, and the IPC community on the passing of this supremely devoted and talented leader, who gave so much in service to his faith, community, and country.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 35
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