[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 62 (Thursday, May 6, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E769]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF REVEREND HARRY CRENSHAW

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 6, 2004

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, Jerusalem Baptist Church in Toledo, Ohio 
will bid a fond farewell to its revered patriarch, Reverend Harry 
Crenshaw. With the coming of spring, Reverend Crenshaw retires as 
pastor of the church after a lifetime of service to his flock and that 
of the larger Toledo community. Truly a community leader, long 
recognized as the voice of the church, Reverend Crenshaw has been a 
mainstay of the Jerusalem congregation and its neighborhood for 
decades. He is a man for others.
  ``Blessed is the may that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, 
nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits at the seat of the scornful. 
But his delight is in the Law of the Lord; and in His law does he 
meditate both day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the 
rivers of the water, that brings forth his fruit in his season; his 
leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he does shall prosper.'' 
(Psalms, 1:1-3)
  Within the words of this passage lies Reverend Dr. Harry Crenshaw. A 
man of God, he lives the Word in thought and deed, and has imparted his 
love of that Word to generations. Through his strength and wisdom he 
has provided counsel to thousands. The esteem with which he is held is 
testament to his prominent role in the lifeblood of the community and 
the personal lives of the people to whom he ministers.
  While no one can build a church alone, Jerusalem Baptist Church and 
its ministry, the Jerusalem Outreach Center, are attributable to the 
passion and perseverance of Reverend Dr. Crenshaw. His guidance and 
leadership have been a primary force in the growth of the church and 
its neighborhood mission, particularly its embrace of our youth. He has 
come to embody faith and hope for the next generation of our community.
  Reverend Dr. Crenshaw has earned his rest as he takes his leave from 
the day-to-day operations of the Jerusalem congregation. Yet, his 
abiding goodness lives strong in each of us whose lives he has touched. 
We know he will remain involved in its activities for the church and 
its works are a part of him. Reverend Dr. Harry Crenshaw's soul will 
echo on in the buildings' walls and the congregation's hearts for many 
years to come. He came this far by faith with his beautiful wife, 
Frances, and he led us all to a more humane and compassionate community 
and world.

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