[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 39 (Thursday, March 11, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E421-E422]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING REVEREND DR. H.M. CRENSHAW

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 11, 1999

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the work and 
achievements of a shepherd to our entire community, Reverend Dr. H.M. 
Crenshaw, a spiritual leader of enormous dimension. Reverend Crenshaw's 
30 years of personal ministry to the Jerusalem Missionary Baptist 
Church congregation is to be recognized in a special celebration in 
Toledo, OH on March 13, 1999.
  After his ordination as a minister in 1952, Reverend Crenshaw 
pastored in the First Baptist Church of Rossford, Ohio from 1953 until 
1958. He then went on to First Baptist Church in Fostoria, OH, and 
during his decade-long tenure there he led the congregation in the 
building of a new church as well as the purchase of additional land. In 
December of 1968, Reverend Crenshaw was called to minister to the 
congregation of Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church, where he remains 
today.
  A true community leader, Reverend Crenshaw has guided his 
congregation through growth, property acquisition, and building 
expansion and enhancement. Through it all, he has been a revitalizing 
force both in the community and the church. Recognizing the deeper 
needs of the youth in the church's neighborhood, Reverend Crenshaw 
founded the Jerusalem Outreach Center in 1982. With a goal to motivate 
and direct young people not targeted by other programs to fully realize 
their greatest potential, Reverend Crenshaw and the Jerusalem Outreach 
Center staff have helped over 1,675 at-risk youth and their families. 
Working through referrals from the juvenile court and juvenile justice 
systems, the local school system and an area mentoring program, the 
Jerusalem Outreach Center has redirected the path for these young 
people and their families. Further, the center serves as a beacon in 
the neighborhood: a welcoming place for the youth.
  Ever mindful of the need to provide stewardship to promising young 
people, Reverend and Mrs. Crenshaw established the Crenshaw Scholarship 
Fund in memory of their deceased daughter Marilyn. This fund has 
contributed over $12,500.00 toward the college education of students in 
the church.
  The holder of a Bachelor of Theology from the International Bible 
Institute and Seminary,

[[Page E422]]

a Master of Arts in Psychology and Counseling from Ashland Theological 
Seminary, a Doctorate of Divinity from Calvary Bible College, and an 
Honorary Doctorate from Selma University, Reverend Crenshaw is the 
author of a book, ``A Reality Roadmap for Delinquent Youth'' and a 
teaching video, ``The Reality of Therapeutic Techniques in Working with 
Delinquent Youth.''
  In addition to pastoring to his congregation, engaging in outreach to 
troubled youth, and raising a family, Reverend Crenshaw has also found 
time to serve on several key area boards including the Lucas County 
Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, Lucas County Mental Health 
Advisory Council, Baptist Pastors' Conference, Interdenominational 
Ministerial Alliance, Interracial Religious Coalition, Board of 
Community Relations, the Board of Education's Alternative School 
Programming Committee, Baptist Ministers Conference, and Chairman of 
the Advisory Board of the American Baptist Theological Seminary 
Extension of Toledo.
  His unwavering commitment to the causes of social justice, his 
dedication to God and living His Word, and his deep involvement in the 
fabric of our community have earned Reverend Crenshaw the admiration of 
many in our area who hold him in high esteem. He has been showered with 
honors too numerous to mention, has received commendations from 
federal, state, and city officials, and has received accolades from his 
peers in the psychology, counseling, and ministerial fields.
  Reverend Crenshaw is married to Frances, and together they have 
raised five children: Marvin, Shirley, the late Marilyn, Vanessa and 
Kay. They are also proud and loving grandparents to O'Shai and 
O'Lajidai, and great grandson O'Mauryai.
  The constant thread through Reverend Crenshaw's life of service is 
his devotion to ``his ministry in saving souls.'' I am greatly honored 
and deeply humbled to join his congregation and community in offering 
thanks for his 30 years as pastor of Jerusalem Missionary Baptist 
Church. May God continue to bless him, his wife, their family and the 
Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church congregation.

                          ____________________