Cleo Fields

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ministry of New Beginnings, located at 9704 Everglades Avenue in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, a congregation that has faithfully served the Baton Rouge community for more than two decades Ministry of New Beginnings was organized on April 29, 2002, under the leadership and vision of Reverend Vanna Breckenridge, who gave the church its name as members began preparing for their first worship service. The charter members who helped establish the church, President Reverend Vanna Breckenridge, Vice President Kelles Breckenridge, Chairman Deacon Leonard Harris, and Board Members Sister Corine Jackson and Sister Erma Patin, laid the foundation for Ministry of New Beginnings through their prayers, dedication, service, and unwavering commitment to the work of the Lord. Their faith and sacrifice helped make the vision of the church a reality.

The church held its first service on May 25, 2003, in a building that had been remodeled and dedicated to the work of the Lord, and Reverend Vanna Breckenridge was installed as pastor. As the congregation continued to grow, Ministry of New Beginnings established several ministries and auxiliaries, including the Deacon and Deaconess Boards, Sanctuary Choir, Usher Board, Kitchen Ministry, Male Chorus, and Sunday School, each deepening the spiritual life and fellowship of the church.

On December 6, 2007, Ministry of New Beginnings experienced a devastating fire. Yet through prayer, fasting, faith, and the outpouring of support from families, members, friends, and the community, the congregation was able to rebuild. What could have marked the end of the church instead became another testimony to God's faithfulness, and Ministry of New Beginnings continued moving forward by faith.

On November 3, 2024, Pastor Dr. Robert Williams, III was installed as Pastor of Ministry of New Beginnings, ushering in a new season of leadership for the congregation. Since accepting the call to lead, Pastor Williams has brought a renewed vision and a spirit of growth to the church. Under his leadership, membership has increased, and the Youth Ministry has been strengthened, developed, and positioned for continued growth, reflecting Pastor Williams' recognition that investing in the next generation is essential to the future of the church. On July 22, 2025, Pastor Williams introduced the Ministry of New Beginnings Youth Department to the Glory to Glory Youth Conference, founded by Pastor Dr Mark A. Lit, Sr., an annual gathering dedicated to providing support, spiritual growth, and empowerment services for at- risk youth and young adults through leadership training, spiritual development sessions, and interactive youth events.

Pastor Williams' vision extends beyond the walls of the church to the surrounding community. Among his goals is the development of a Community Food Pantry to help address food disparity and provide assistance to individuals and families in need throughout the area, reflecting the church's commitment not only to worship God but also to serve others and make a meaningful difference in the community. On August 22, 2026, the church launched its Dance, Mime, and Puppet Ministry, offering new avenues of worship and creative expression for members of all ages.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Ministry of New Beginnings, Pastor Dr. Robert Williams, III, and the dedicated congregation for more than two decades of steadfast faith, resilience, and service to the Baton Rouge community. As Ministry of New Beginnings enters this new season, may it continue to stand on its foundation of faith while embracing a vision for growth, service, youth development, and community outreach.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Evening Star Baptist Church. In 1889, Green Dyer and Harrison Davis settled in the community now known as Baker, Louisiana. In 1890, there was no place to worship within the community, therefore, the new families traveled to Holly Grove Baptist Church or sometimes traveled to the Chaneyville Community to worship. The men traveled by horses to their former communities for service on Sundays. The women started a prayer meeting at the home of Mrs. Fannie Davis. The prayer meetings were so inspirational and uplifting that the women decided to hold their prayer meetings in the afternoons when the men returned.

At one of these prayer meetings, in 1895, the group decided to organize a church naming it `Evening Star Baptist Church' after witnessing a falling star in the sky. Green Dyer confessed his calling to minister God's word, and Evening Star Baptist Church ordained Reverend Green Dyer and installed him as their first pastor. He gave one-half acre of land, and Henry Davis gave one-fourth acre of land to build the first sanctuary of Evening Star. The building was twenty-four feet long and eighteen feet wide.

In September 1909, a storm destroyed the church. This was a great burden on Reverend Green Dyer's heart; and, in 1910, he died before the church was re-erected. He served as pastor of Evening Star for 15 years. Following Reverend Dyer's death, Reverend Jack Mitchell was elected pastor and served only one year. Reverends Bosky and Henry Millican served as acting pastors for short periods.

In 1913, Reverend George Youngblood was ordained and elected pastor of Evening Star. Reverend Youngblood served with commitment and dedication for 46 years. During the latter years of his pastorship, he became ill. Reverend Thomas J. Carter was ordained and elected assistant pastor to the aging Pastor Youngblood and served as assistant for 11 years.

On July 15, 1959, Reverend Thomas J. Carter was elected pastor. In 1962, under Reverend Carter's leadership, a new sanctuary was built at the present location Sister Florence Dyer Todd donated the land for the new sanctuary. Reverend Carter served Evening Star for 25 years. He died January 15, 1984. Reverend Lionel Lee, Sr. became an associate minister under Reverend Carter and served for eight years. After Reverend Carter's death, during the summer of 1984, Reverend Lionel Lee, Sr. was elected pastor.

From its inception, Evening Star Baptist Church has been an active member of the Fourth District Missionary Baptist Association, Louisiana State Baptist Association, and the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. Reverend Green Dyer and Reverend George Youngblood served as Secretaries of the Fourth District Baptist Association. Pastor Lee continued this tradition by serving as secretary of the association for ten years and was named General Secretary Emeritus.

Evening Star continued to grow in spiritual aspirations, community outreach, and ministries under Reverend Lee's leadership. Many milestones were accomplished, including paved parking lot and purchased van; outreach ministry to the nursing home and drug rehab center; Sisterhood and Brotherhood collaboration with Shady Grove First Baptist Church; establishment of male chorus and combined choirs; creation of the Board of Christian Education, Ushers' Ministry, and Deaconess Ministry; Pastor's Travel Expense Club; Church Mission Fund, Boy Scouts; Project Drug Free Lines; Saturday Street Prayer Ministry; Youth Council and Ministry; Summer Youth Employment; Summer Enrichment Program; Tutorial Program; Summer History Learning Project; Exercise Program; participation in local, state, national Congress of Christian Education, and international Baptist World Congress events; and rebuilding and renovating Evening Star Baptist Church from 1996 to 1997.

On July 7, 1996, Evening Star held its groundbreaking service for a long-awaited project. Renovations began on July 8, 1996, and on August 17, 1997, the congregation moved into the new sanctuary. In July 2001, after serving seventeen years, Reverend Lionel Lee, Sr. was called to his reward. In December 2002, Reverend Dr. Roderick A. Betts was elected and installed as pastor. Under Reverend Betts' leadership, Evening Star replaced its organ and sound system, established an Inspirational Choir, revived the Liturgical Dance Team, held Saturday Intercessory Prayer, established an Oratorical Ministry, and formed a Women Choir.

We acknowledge Evening Star Baptist Church for recently celebrating its 129th Anniversary. It is a thriving community church under the leadership of Pastor Aldora Sanford, who has served this great church since 2012. I ask my colleagues to join me honoring Evening Star Baptist Church for over a century for service, fellowship, and spreading of the word of God.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Freeman Baptist Church, located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The History of Freeman Baptist Church leads back to the days of Jesus Christ and his public ministry if one would be technical or critical. Scriptural procedure of the Church is depicted in the Old Testament. The church is the espoused bride of Jesus Christ and is guided by the Holy Spirit.

In the year of 1919 on the rolling hills of East Feliciana Parish in Ethel, Louisiana, the Little Evergreen Baptist Church was born, under the guidance of the Reverend Albert Freeman as Pastor. It was a one room, wooden church with a small membership but large in praising God. Sunday school and Church Services were held two times a month. Under the leadership of Reverend Albert Freeman, the church was renamed the Freeman Baptist Church. The founding members were: Reverend Albert Freeman--Pastor, Brother Ike Johnson--Head Deacon; Members--Brother Nathan Ross, Joe Clark, Newman Freeman; Sisters--Martha Freeman and Alberta Clark.

The adversity of trials and tribulations, ups and downs were prevalent but not prevailing because they knew God was in control. The death of the founders left them with consternation, but prayer kept them covered and the membership, though small, sustained.

Faithful leadership continued under Reverend Jessie O'Conner, Brother Charles Armstead, Sr., Head Deacon; Brother Charles Armstead, Jr.; Sisters Rhoda Taylor, Barbara O'Conner, Nancy O'Conner, Nathelda O'Conner, Mary Johnson, and Sister Ola M. Armstead, who was the sole remaining member from the original membership of Little Evergreen Baptist Church.

Reverend Richardson was small in stature but a powerhouse of spirit with preaching and singing like Paul and Silas fused together into one. He was a man with a vision, inspired by the Lord with the gift of preaching the gospel as well as a gift in carpentry. Reverend Richardson spearheaded the renovation of Freeman with the assistance of the men of the church and friends in the community, transforming it from a one room building to the church we sit in today. Under his leadership the little church by the side of the road grew spiritually, financially, and numerically.

Reverend Richardson and his associate ministers, Reverend Jessie O'Conner, Reverend Willie Mackie, and Reverend Eddie Lee, provided many spirit-filled services.

In 1996, Reverend Richardson faced health complications and being a man of spiritual discernment, advised the church that when his task in ministry was finished, he wanted the members to stick together and find a leader. During his illness, Reverend Mac Henry Wallace visited Freeman several times by invitation. In June 1997, Reverend Richardson transitioned from his earthly sojourn to his heavenly inheritance.

Continuing the legacy, Reverend Mac Henry Wallace accepted the call as pastor and was installed on September 12, 1997. Under Reverend Wallace's leadership, Freeman continued to have spirit-filled services. Over the years Freeman was blessed with several associate ministers who were great assets, helping the church move in the right direction.

In April 2002, the structural foundation of the church had to be reinforced. In August 2002, the church purchased two additional acres of property and in October 2002 completed paving the new grounds. On December 7, 2003, a rededication service was held for the newly renovated building.

In 2018, Reverend Wallace resigned as pastor. Without an immediate successor, Freeman stood on Romans 8.31--`If God be for us, who can be against us?' God sent Reverend Murion `Reverend Happy' Webb, a Holy Ghost-filled man of God, to shepherd Freeman until a new pastor was elected. In May 2019, Reverend Robert L. Scott, Jr. accepted the call to pastor Freeman. Pastor Scott is a dedicated leader with profound devotion to helping God's people, a prolific spirit-filled pastor, teacher, and mentor who utilizes his multifaceted gifts throughout the community.

We pray that God will continue to bless us and each day bring us closer to Him, striving to retain the bright hope that burned so brightly years ago. Freeman Baptist Church remains committed to reaching out in love, winning souls for Christ, and doing only those things that will glorify our Heavenly Father. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Freeman Baptist Church, for its dedication to spreading the word of God.