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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E605-E606]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
IN CELEBRATION OF PASTOR JERRY HATTER
______
HON. DEBBIE DINGELL
of michigan
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, July 1, 2020
Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to offer my heartfelt
congratulations to Pastor Jerry Hatter as he celebrates his retirement
from the pastoral ministry at Brown Chapel African Methodist Episcopal
(AME) Church.
After a 23-year career at Ford Motor Company in finance and
accounting, Pastor Jerry Hatter entered into the Christian ministry
full time. In August 1991, Pastor Hatter was appointed to serve as the
43rd pastor of Brown Chapel AME Church by Bishop Haskell Mayo. In the
years since, Pastor Hatter has led to the church to unimaginable new
heights and has nurtured, supported, and welcomed the entire Ypsilanti
religious community in his ministry. Under his spiritual leadership,
Brown Chapel created the Daniel Payne Scholarship Fund, began a Child
Care Ministry, established Brown Chapel Foundation, Inc., and partially
sponsored a Habitat House, to name a few of the church's numerous
accomplishments. Throughout the years, Pastor Hatter has also led Brown
Chapel through some of its most incredible milestones, like the
church's 150th and 175th anniversaries, and the completion of the new
church edifice in 1999.
Pastor Hatter uses his faith to support his local community. In the
early 1990s, Pastor Hatter and Brown Chapel became one of Food
Gatherer's first partners. Determined to battle hunger in Michigan,
Pastor Hatter promoted thoughtful collaboration among his congregation
to determine ways to address the root causes of food insecurity. Since,
Pastor Hatter has been active in a variety of other outreach programs
that uplift the underprivileged and give them the resources they need
to lead healthy, fulfilling, and dignified lives. His passion for
service even took him to India, where he embarked on a mission trip in
2013. To date, Pastor Hatter has held membership
[[Page E606]]
in several organizations and boards, including the Hope Clinic, SOS
Community Services, Turner Geriatric Advisory Board, WCSO Ministerial
Advisory Team, and Southeastern Michigan AME Minister's Alliance, and
continues to seek out opportunities to help people navigate spiritual,
emotional, or physical issues. Moreover, Pastor Hatter is mentor to
many and particularly strives to assist younger generations in
developing their relationships with the church and God. He is involved
in the Mentor2Youth program that empowers youth to excel in life,
academics, and work, and was honored by the organization for his
tremendous accomplishments in the community.
Among his friends, family, peers, and congregation, Pastor Jerry
Hatter is recognized as a dedicated and spirited leader who humbly
strives to make the world a better place. As the longest-serving pastor
in Brown Chapel AME Church's history, Pastor Hatter has preached at a
variety of prestigious celebrations across Michigan and implemented a
number of successful faith-based programs. In times of divisiveness and
strife, Pastor Hatter is been the voice of reason, and he has been an
unwavering advocate of the entire religious community. Without a doubt,
Pastor Hatter has demonstrated what a true servant of God should
endeavor to be. He provides a clear example of selfless love and
compassion that encourages others to life a life of purpose, integrity,
and virtue. His commitment to the word of God has left a positive mark
on Brown Chapel and the community beyond.
Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the
retirement of Pastor Jerry Hatter from the pastoral ministry at Brown
Chapel AME Church. In addition to being a faithful leader, Pastor
Hatter was a friend who was deeply valued, cherished, and respected by
John Dingell. His devotion to God continues to make a difference, and
his legacy at Brown Chapel AME Church is one that will never be
forgotten. Although we are sad to see him go, we are all grateful for
his years of service, his extraordinary work, and his significant
community impact.
____________________