[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 219 (Monday, December 20, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1387]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN HONOR OF THE RETIREMENT OF REV. DR. JOE NATHANIEL CROUT AFTER OVER 
                          44 YEARS OF MINISTRY

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                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, December 20, 2021

  Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Rev. Dr. Joe 
Nathaniel Crout on the occasion of his retirement after over 44 years 
of ministry at New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church in Ypsilanti, 
Michigan. His lifetime of service and dedication to our community is 
worthy of commendation.
  Pastor Crout preached his first sermon on May 5, 1963 after hearing 
the call to ministry. In 1977 he graduated from Detroit Bible College, 
where he studied Theology and Psychology. That same year he founded New 
Covenant Missionary Baptist Church which found it's home in Ypsilanti, 
Michigan. In 2001, he was conferred an honorary doctorate degree from 
the Tennessee School of Religion in Memphis, Tennessee. Since its 
founding, Pastor Crout has served as Senior Pastor for New Covenant 
Missionary Baptist Church. He has dedicated his life to Jesus Christ 
and has focused on serving the needs of those families and individuals 
in our community.
  An Ypsilanti resident for over 60 years, Pastor Crout has been 
greatly involved in our community. He is a founding member of the 
Minister's Alliance of Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor, and Vicinity and has been 
active in organizations that serve our neighbors such as Helping Hands 
Charity, Inc and the Partnership in Economic Alliance for Community 
Empowerment. He has served on the board of the Washtenaw Housing 
Commission and is a frequent volunteer for Habitat for Humanity and the 
Parkridge Community Center of Ypsilanti.
  A trusted friend and confidant for many in leaders and individuals 
alike in our area, Pastor Crout's passion for humanity and community is 
felt by all who have met him. His character, compassion, and dedication 
to service has touched countless lives. Pastor Crout resides in 
Ypsilanti with his loving wife and ministry partner Audrey, they have 
been married for 44 years.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Rev. 
Dr. Joe Nathaniel Crout on his retirement from New Covenant Missionary 
Baptist Church. As a pillar of our community, a leader, and a man of 
true faith, Pastor Crout's powerful sermons will be missed. We join 
with his congregation, friends, and family in wishing Pastor Crout the 
very best in retirement and thank him for his years of service.

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