[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 155 (Thursday, October 30, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2166]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  A TRIBUTE TO REV. RICHARD A. HATCHER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 29, 2003

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Rev. Richard A. Hatcher 
for his exemplary and distinguished service to his congregation, which 
has earned him the Thomas R. Fortune Pastor of the Year Award.
  Rev. Hatcher was born in Slab Fork, West Virginia to the late Letcher 
and Eva Hatcher. In 1959, he moved to New York City where he met Susie 
Clarke, who after an extensive courtship would later become his wife. 
Their union resulted in three children, Kecia, Nicole and Richard 
Hatcher, Jr.
  While devoutly serving in Christian fellowship at the Mount Pleasant 
Baptist Church, Rev. Hatcher received the calling to God's ministry. 
After intensive studies at the Manhattan Bible Institute, he became a 
licensed minister. Shortly thereafter, Rev. Hatcher was ordained. He 
furthered his education, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from the 
College of New Rochelle.
  Rev. Hatcher pastored at Bethenia Baptist Church for 15 years. 
Through his leadership and with God's blessings, the church was able to 
acquire adjoining property which led to the expansion and renovation of 
the church, including the installation of new pews, purchasing a new 
piano, construction of new office space, and creating a learning room 
for the youth and a room solely designed for prayer. The renovation 
also included a complete face-lift of the main sanctuary. Weekly bible 
study and the ``Hour of Power'' prayer service were instituted to 
further serve as a spiritual base for Bethenia's members.
  Although the loss of his beloved wife, Susie, was devastating, it did 
not weaken his faith or commitment to his calling. On July 9, 2000, 
Rev. Hatcher preached his initial sermon as Pastor-Elect of Bethesda 
Memorial Baptist Church. Although it has been only three years, Rev. 
Hatcher has proved to be a spiritual leader, teacher and motivator. His 
accomplishments are already numerous. They include getting the day care 
functioning again, installing a bathroom in the daycare, enlarging the 
pastor's office, opening a trustee room, and establishing a music room. 
Marble floors have been installed in the lobby and several of the 
church's windows have been replaced and upgraded. The Rev. Hatcher also 
started a Food for Survival and Food Bank Program as well as a soup 
kitchen, which feeds up to 150 people.
  Mr. Speaker, Rev. Richard A. Hatcher has been an exemplary pastor to 
his congregation, serving as a spiritual leader and teacher for the 
community. As such, he is more than worthy of receiving our 
recognition. I hope that all of my colleagues will join me in honoring 
this truly remarkable individual.

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