Minnie Crouch

Minnie Crouch History

...AND SHE HAD A DREAM!

One night late in 1954, Minnie Crouch had a dream - - a dream that her birthday would be celebrated in a church and for a church. Minnie arose from her bed determined to make that dream come true.

She called her friend Juanita Garrett, and together they worked to make Minnie's dream come true. And it did! In February 1955 at Ebenezer A. M. E. Zion, a big banquet was prepared for all those who came that day and a very special program was

presented. Isaiah Edwards was the guest speaker. The birthday money contributed by the guests was given to the Church.

The Reverend Howard W. Potts, then pastor at Ebenezer was so impressed by the "Minnie Crouch Birthday" that he officially names Mrs. Crouch mother of the Church in 1955.

Minnie Crouch and Juanita Garrett continued this dream yearly until 1961 when Mrs. Garrett passed away. During this six-year period, the following persons served as guest speakers: Harrison Caldwell, 1956; Thelma Dewitty, 1957; Holbrook L. Garrett, 1958; Rev. Leon Jones, 1960 and James Washington, 1961. In 1959, there was no guest speaker because the program that year was "THIS IS YOUR LIFE" honoring Mother Crouch (directed by Eugene Nesbit).

Though the death of Minnie's companion was a blow, she continued to dream, and make her dreams come true. The banquets continued; the rallies continued; and the programs continued. Other guest speakers were: David Shaw, 1962; Roberta Byrd, 1963; Parree Porter, 1964; Johnny Allen, 1965; Inez Hall, 1966; Robert Bass, 1967; Roscoe Bass, 1968; Donald G. Phelps, 1969; Professor James P. Johnston, 1970; Lynda A. Gillis, 1971 and Jacquelyn Banks, 1972.

The Joseph W. Powe Songcrafters began participating in the Minnie Crouch Birthday Celebrations around 1962 and continued to participate each February until Mr. Powe's death in the 1980's.

In 1966, Reverend Joseph H. Jones, Sr. named the Missionary Board after Minnie L. Crouch.

Although Mother Crouch has now returned home, Ebenezer continues to keep her dream alive each year with a big banquet, a dynamic speaker, a rally and entertainment to soothe your soul.

A TRIBUTE TO MOTHER MINNIE CROUCH

"Church Mother" of Ebenezer A. M. E. Zion Church

Seattle, Washington

M is for the money that she raises,

I is for the insight that she has;

N denotes her female-like nobility,

N again stands for her natural wit,

I explains the ideals that she stands for;

E means that she always seems at ease,

Put them all together, they spell MINNIE, the Name that rings out jubilees.

C stands for the courage that she's shown us,

R is for the rays of love she sheds,