Floor SpeechNeutral2026-10-01

HONORING THE EXEMPLARY LIFE AND LEGACY OF REVEREND MACK JENKINS

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On 2026-10-01, Representative Terri A. Sewell (D-AL-7) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE EXEMPLARY LIFE AND LEGACY OF REVEREND MACK JENKINS" in the House.

Full Text

HONORING THE EXEMPLARY LIFE AND LEGACY OF REVEREND MACK JENKINS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 156 (Thursday, October 1, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 156 (Thursday, October 1, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1000] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE EXEMPLARY LIFE AND LEGACY OF REVEREND MACK JENKINS ______ HON. TERRI A. SEWELL of alabama in the house of representatives Thursday, October 1, 2026 Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the exemplary life and legacy of Reverend Mack Jenkins, who passed away on September 22, 2026, at the age of 85. Reverend Jenkins was born on January 10, 1941, to the late James, Sr. and Hannah Bracy Jenkins. The youngest of ten children, virtues such as kindness, humility, forgiveness, and unconditional love were cornerstones of his childhood. Reverend Jenkins began his educational journey at the historic Calhoun School. Following his graduation in 1958, he began his pursuit of a degree in Fashion-Clothing and Tailoring at Wenonah State Technical Institute, which is now known as Lawson State Community College. His pursuit of his degree was suspended when he was drafted into the United States Army, where he proudly served his country. He later matriculated at Trenholm State Technical College, where he earned his degree in Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration, which prepared him for his career in the United States Department of Veteran Affairs. A committed servant of God, Reverend Jenkins confessed Christ at an early age and became an active member of Rock Creek Missionary Baptist Church. While at Rock Creek, he faithfully served in several capacities, such as choir member, deacon, Sunday School teacher, and superintendent. He was also a member of the renowned Beulah Primitive Baptist Church Male Chorus. A strong believer in Christian education, Reverend Jenkins served as Congress President for the Old Alabama District Association for more than 30 years. Under his leadership, the first nationally certified Baptist Leadership School was established, and numerous Rock Creek members, along with other district associations members from Lowndes, Macon, Dallas, and Monroe counties earned certification. Additionally, he carried and provided funds for members to attend local, state, and national Baptist conventions to stay abreast of the latest trends in Christian education. He also attended the Southeast District State Convention in June and the Alabama Missionary Baptist Congress of Christian Education in July of 2026. In 1988 he sensed a deep God-given appointment to preach the gospel and accepted a call to the ministry. In February 1989, he was called to serve as pastor of the Rock Creek Missionary Baptist Church. For more than 37 years Reverend Jenkins shepherded the flock entrusted to him. Reverend Jenkins was relied upon to pray for, love, guide, visit, counsel, and help each and every member. He did not simply occupy the role of pastor; he carried the responsibility of shepherding in his heart. Reverend Mack Jenkins is proceeded in death by his parents, Mr. James, Sr. and Mrs. Hannah Bracy Jenkins; his siblings, James Jenkins, Jr., Willie Jenkins Humphries, Viola Jenkins Gatson, Reverend Leroy Jenkins, Joe Jenkins, Sam Jenkins, Leon Jenkins, Leon Jenkins, Isaiah Jenkins, and Novella Humphries. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 62 years, Rubye Osborne Jenkins; his sons, Frederick Jose Jenkins and Mack Aldrich (Kecia) Jenkins; one daughter, Gwendolyn (Lewis) Daniel; grandchildren, Fredria (Chris) Jordan, Atravius Smith, Kaylin Jenkins, Brandon (Marquetta) Daniel, Morgan (Gavin) Scott, Deidra (Kamontee) Sigler, Kaitlyn Patterson, and Aerrien Tarrance; 22 great grandchildren; one brother, Willis Jenkins; brothers-in-law, Tom Osborne, Sr. and Benjamin Osborne; sisters-in-law, Juliette Jenkins, Dorothy Gardner Jenkins Sanders, Vanessa Jenkins, Willie Frances Rudolph, Maggie (Eddie) Walker, Johnie Watson, Bonnie Johnson; godchildren, Jackie (Clemmon, Jr.) Barlow, Yvette Patterson, Diane Richardson, Addie (Leon) Bennett, Willie Mack, Jr. (Catha) Patterson, Michelle Jenkins, Barbara (Don) Hill; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. On a personal note, Reverend Mack Jenkins was not only a beloved pastor, but my cherished relative as well. A pillar of the Lowndes County community, Reverend Jenkins was devoted to his family and congregation and was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, cousin, uncle, pastor, neighbor, and friend. May we find comfort in knowing that Reverend Jenkins lived a full and blessed life and that his legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched. On behalf of Alabama's 7th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the exemplary life and legacy of Reverend Mack Jenkins. ____________________

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HONORING THE EXEMPLARY LIFE AND LEGACY OF REVEREND MACK JENKINS Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 156 (Thursday, October 1, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 156 (Thursday, October 1, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1000] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE EXEMPLARY LIFE AND LEGACY OF REVEREND MACK JENKINS ______ HON. TERRI A. SEWELL of alabama in the house of representatives Thursday, October 1, 2026 Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the exemplary life and legacy of Reverend Mack Jenkins, who passed away on September 22, 2026, at the age of 85. Reverend Jenkins was born on January 10, 1941, to the late James, Sr. and Hannah Bracy Jenkins. The youngest of ten children, virtues such as kindness, humility, forgiveness, and unconditional love were cornerstones of his childhood. Reverend Jenkins began his educational journey at the historic Calhoun School. Following his graduation in 1958, he began his pursuit of a degree in Fashion-Clothing and Tailoring at Wenonah State Technical Institute, which is now known as Lawson State Community College. His pursuit of his degree was suspended when he was drafted into the United States Army, where he proudly served his country. He later matriculated at Trenholm State Technical College, where he earned his degree in Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration, which prepared him for his career in the United States Department of Veteran Affairs. A committed servant of God, Reverend Jenkins confessed Christ at an early age and became an active member of Rock Creek Missionary Baptist Church. While at Rock Creek, he faithfully served in several capacities, such as choir member, deacon, Sunday School teacher, and superintendent. He was also a member of the renowned Beulah Primitive Baptist Church Male Chorus. A strong believer in Christian education, Reverend Jenkins served as Congress President for the Old Alabama District Association for more than 30 years. Under his leadership, the first nationally certified Baptist Leadership School was established, and numerous Rock Creek members, along with other district associations members from Lowndes, Macon, Dallas, and Monroe counties earned certification. Additionally, he carried and provided funds for members to attend local, state, and national Baptist conventions to stay abreast of the latest trends in Christian education. He also attended the Southeast District State Convention in June and the Alabama Missionary Baptist Congress of Christian Education in July of 2026. In 1988 he sensed a deep God-given appointment to preach the gospel and accepted a call to the ministry. In February 1989, he was called to serve as pastor of the Rock Creek Missionary Baptist Church. For more than 37 years Reverend Jenkins shepherded the flock entrusted to him. Reverend Jenkins was relied upon to pray for, love, guide, visit, counsel, and help each and every member. He did not simply occupy the role of pastor; he carried the responsibility of shepherding in his heart. Reverend Mack Jenkins is proceeded in death by his parents, Mr. James, Sr. and Mrs. Hannah Bracy Jenkins; his siblings, James Jenkins, Jr., Willie Jenkins Humphries, Viola Jenkins Gatson, Reverend Leroy Jenkins, Joe Jenkins, Sam Jenkins, Leon Jenkins, Leon Jenkins, Isaiah Jenkins, and Novella Humphries. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 62 years, Rubye Osborne Jenkins; his sons, Frederick Jose Jenkins and Mack Aldrich (Kecia) Jenkins; one daughter, Gwendolyn (Lewis) Daniel; grandchildren, Fredria (Chris) Jordan, Atravius Smith, Kaylin Jenkins, Brandon (Marquetta) Daniel, Morgan (Gavin) Scott, Deidra (Kamontee) Sigler, Kaitlyn Patterson, and Aerrien Tarrance; 22 great grandchildren; one brother, Willis Jenkins; brothers-in-law, Tom Osborne, Sr. and Benjamin Osborne; sisters-in-law, Juliette Jenkins, Dorothy Gardner Jenkins Sanders, Vanessa Jenkins, Willie Frances Rudolph, Maggie (Eddie) Walker, Johnie Watson, Bonnie Johnson; godchildren, Jackie (Clemmon, Jr.) Barlow, Yvette Patterson, Diane Richardson, Addie (Leon) Bennett, Willie Mack, Jr. (Catha) Patterson, Michelle Jenkins, Barbara (Don) Hill; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. On a personal note, Reverend Mack Jenkins was not only a beloved pastor, but my cherished relative as well. A pillar of the Lowndes County community, Reverend Jenkins was devoted to his family and congregation and was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, cousin, uncle, pastor, neighbor, and friend. May we find comfort in knowing that Reverend Jenkins lived a full and blessed life and that his legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched. On behalf of Alabama's 7th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the exemplary life and legacy of Reverend Mack Jenkins. ____________________