[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 171 (Wednesday, October 18, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E992]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        RECOGNIZING REV. FREDDIE BANKS' SERVICE TO HIS COMMUNITY

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                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 18, 2023

  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to recognize 
Reverend Freddie Banks, the Pastor of New Testament Baptist Church in 
Ypsilanti, Michigan, on the occasion of his retirement. For the last 40 
years, the leadership he has displayed for his congregation and his 
greater community is worthy of commendation.
  Reverend Banks was born in 1937 in Merigold, Mississippi. His family 
would later move to Ypsilanti, Michigan where he graduated from 
Ypsilanti High School in 1957. Shortly thereafter in 1959, Reverand 
Banks married his wonderful wife, Evelyn. Their legacy now includes 4 
children, 6 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren.
  Reverend Banks began his journey with the St. John Missionary Church 
of Ypsilanti in 1965. There he served as Sunday School superintendent, 
President of the Usher Board, and Chairman of the Deacon Board. He 
would preach his first sermon in September 1977 and was ordained as 
Assistant Pastor in 1978. Reverend Banks attended classes at the 
Detroit Bible College, later the William Tyndale Bible College, where 
he graduated in 1984.
  Reverend Banks went on to serve at St. Mary Baptist Church in 1983 as 
their Assistant Pastor. Later, he was called to preach at Fellowship of 
Believers, which was later named New Testament Missionary Baptist 
Church. His service to the community includes execution of marriage 
ceremonies, providing marriage counseling, and providing funeral 
services.
  Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I ask my colleagues to join me today in 
recognizing and celebrating the lifetime of work that Reverend Freddie 
Banks has been kind enough to share with us. He has spent his entire 
life in the service of others, and though he may be stepping down from 
the pulpit, we will be sure to feel his influence for years to come.

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