[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 126 (Thursday, July 16, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E635]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN MEMORY OF PASTOR DAVID ROQUEMORE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RASHIDA TLAIB

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 16, 2020

  Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of David 
Roquemore, esteemed pastor of Greater New Light Missionary Baptist 
Church in Detroit, Michigan.
  Pastor Roquemore knew at a young age that he was destined for a 
career in the clergy. He was deeply moved by the power of prayer and 
gospel music. Pastor Roquemore began his pastoral profession at Church 
of Our Faith Prayer Tabernacle, where he served as a faithful member of 
the renowned Voices of Prayer Tabernacle choir. Pastor Roquemore found 
his passion for prayer through song in Detroit's burgeoning gospel 
music scene. He performed with the era's powerhouse principal vocalists 
Hulah Gene Dunkin-Hurley, Louise McCord Williams, and his brother 
Richard Roquemore. The choir recorded, ``The Love of God,'' which 
became an instant hit. Affectionally known as ``Rock'', he remained a 
faithful member of the church.
  On August 7, 1982 a group of individuals assembled to deliberate the 
possibility of organizing a church. The meeting participants included 
Reverend D. W. Roquemore, Sister Madeline Roquemore, other individuals 
who elected Reverend Roquemore as pastor of the newly formed Greater 
New Light Missionary Baptist Church, inaugurating a thirty-seven-year 
commitment.
  Pastor Roquemore committed to religious scholarship, earning degrees 
from William Tyndale College, Tennessee School of Religion, and Union 
Baptist Seminary. He also served in leadership roles for a number of 
organizations, including Executive Secretary of Council of Baptist 
Pastors and Detroit Vicinity, Secretary of Westside Ministers Alliance, 
Chairman of Health and Human Services Detroit Water & Sewerage 
Department, and professor of Tennessee School of Religion. Pastor 
Roquemore's commitment to serving the needs of others earned him great 
esteem and respect.
  Please join me in tribute to the memory of Pastor David Roquemore, a 
spiritual leader, who will be missed by his family, friends, and flock.

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