[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 154 (Friday, November 18, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2428]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               IN HONOR OF REVEREND DR. ROLAND H. CROWDER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 18, 2005

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of 
Reverend Dr. Roland H. Crowder, upon the joyous celebration of his 40th 
Anniversary as Pastor of Second Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in 
Cleveland, Ohio.
  Reverend Crowder was born in Cleveland in 1926, into meager 
beginnings, yet the promise of faith and family would raise his life 
into the light of leadership, accomplishment and service to others. 
Just an infant, Reverend Crowder was adopted by Emma and Reverend 
Edward Griggs. Tragedy struck shortly thereafter when his young mother 
died and his father became very ill after suffering a stroke. Young 
Roland was up for adoption again, yet his neighbors across the street, 
Mr. and Mrs. Will Crowder, opened their hearts and home to him and 
became his new parents. The family moved to Birmingham, where Reverend 
Crowder's parents taught him lifelong values that centered on 
integrity, hard work, family, faith and service to others.
  In 1950, following his honorable service in the United States Navy, 
Reverend Crowder heeded the call to the ministry. After his father 
passed away, he and his mother returned to Cleveland in 1965, where he 
began his ministry at the Second Calvary Missionary Baptist Church. 
Fortified with an undergraduate degree, graduate degree from Malone 
College and a doctoral degree in theology from the Ashland Theological 
Seminary, and most significantly, equipped with valuable life 
experience, Reverend Crowder set the foundation for his life long 
journey of restoring faith and hope within the hearts of people here in 
Cleveland and around the world. Reverend Crowder and his late wife, 
Doris G. Crowder, were married for forty-five years. Together they 
raised five children: Roland Jr., Lydia, Rosalind, Hiram and the late 
Phillip. Today, Reverend Crowder and his wife, Sister Ida B. Cook 
Crowder, continue to serve in faithful ministry and community outreach 
to the congregation of Second Calvary Missionary Baptist Church.
  Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition 
of Reverend Doctor Roland Hayes Crowder, whose compassionate leadership 
and guidance has been reflected throughout the Second Calvary 
Missionary Baptist Church of Cleveland, Ohio, for forty years. His 
commitment, kindness and caring for people in need of emotional and 
spiritual restoration continues to lift the spirits of countless 
individuals, and will forever bring faith, hope and light throughout 
our entire community and far beyond.

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