[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 121 (Wednesday, July 1, 2020)]
[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

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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.

                          ____________________