[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 155 (Thursday, October 30, 2003)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2166] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] A TRIBUTE TO REV. RICHARD A. HATCHER ______ HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS of new york in the house of representatives Wednesday, October 29, 2003 Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Rev. Richard A. Hatcher for his exemplary and distinguished service to his congregation, which has earned him the Thomas R. Fortune Pastor of the Year Award. Rev. Hatcher was born in Slab Fork, West Virginia to the late Letcher and Eva Hatcher. In 1959, he moved to New York City where he met Susie Clarke, who after an extensive courtship would later become his wife. Their union resulted in three children, Kecia, Nicole and Richard Hatcher, Jr. While devoutly serving in Christian fellowship at the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, Rev. Hatcher received the calling to God's ministry. After intensive studies at the Manhattan Bible Institute, he became a licensed minister. Shortly thereafter, Rev. Hatcher was ordained. He furthered his education, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of New Rochelle. Rev. Hatcher pastored at Bethenia Baptist Church for 15 years. Through his leadership and with God's blessings, the church was able to acquire adjoining property which led to the expansion and renovation of the church, including the installation of new pews, purchasing a new piano, construction of new office space, and creating a learning room for the youth and a room solely designed for prayer. The renovation also included a complete face-lift of the main sanctuary. Weekly bible study and the ``Hour of Power'' prayer service were instituted to further serve as a spiritual base for Bethenia's members. Although the loss of his beloved wife, Susie, was devastating, it did not weaken his faith or commitment to his calling. On July 9, 2000, Rev. Hatcher preached his initial sermon as Pastor-Elect of Bethesda Memorial Baptist Church. Although it has been only three years, Rev. Hatcher has proved to be a spiritual leader, teacher and motivator. His accomplishments are already numerous. They include getting the day care functioning again, installing a bathroom in the daycare, enlarging the pastor's office, opening a trustee room, and establishing a music room. Marble floors have been installed in the lobby and several of the church's windows have been replaced and upgraded. The Rev. Hatcher also started a Food for Survival and Food Bank Program as well as a soup kitchen, which feeds up to 150 people. Mr. Speaker, Rev. Richard A. Hatcher has been an exemplary pastor to his congregation, serving as a spiritual leader and teacher for the community. As such, he is more than worthy of receiving our recognition. I hope that all of my colleagues will join me in honoring this truly remarkable individual. ____________________