[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 56 (Thursday, May 7, 1998)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E794-E795] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] HONORING REV. SPURGEON EUGENE CRAYTON ______ HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS of new york in the house of representatives Thursday, May 7, 1998 Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Reverend Spurgeon Eugene Crayton, Pastor, Mount Ollie Baptist Church. Rev. Crayton has dedicated his life to the church and the community of Brooklyn, New York. The 65-year-old Brownsville pastor is one of the busiest in the city. He conducts as many as fifteen revivals a year, preaching in a style that he describes as a combination of old fashioned flare mixed with contemporary versions of biblical stories. As a specialist in teaching Baptist doctrine, Rev. Crayton has held a variety of posts in the Eastern Baptist Association, representing Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk counties, and is presently an Area Vice President of the Empire State Baptist Convention, which represents some 500 churches from Niagara Falls to East Hampton. In addition to his pastoral duties, Rev. Crayton has managed to author several books, including a collection of short stories about his Korean War experiences called ``Screams and Protest'', which is used by the public school system. He has also written ``God's Star in the East'', a guide to Baptist congregations, and is working on a third book entitled, ``The Black Baptist Church of Today''. Aways a man of action, Rev. Crayton has even found time to write plays, including ``Another One Gone'' and ``The Erudite''. Through his commitment to work on behalf of the community, this dynamic minister has also served as a charter board member of the Half Way House Rehabilitation Center for Drug Abuse; as a Protestant Chaplain for the Madonna Heights School for Girls, a Catholic School; and is an instructor of English at Central Commercial High School in New York City. Rev. Crayton's own words exemplify his extraordinary sensitivity to the needs of God's people: ``We have a lot of dedicated ministers who want not only to be good preachers, but will help fight for social causes for their parishioners. There is a greater interest now on the part of the ministry to understand the religious, political, social, and economic problems of our [[Page E795]] communities.'' He has truly left an indelible mark for all to follow. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Rev. Spurgeon Eugene Crayton for his valuable contributions to the community of Brooklyn. ____________________