Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Honorable Foster L. Campbell, Jr. on the occasion of 50 years of continuous elective service to the people of Louisiana, first as a state senator and currently as Public Service Commissioner. Born on January 6, 1947, in Shreveport and raised in Bossier Parish, Foster developed a deep connection to rural communities that would shape his public career. He graduated from Bossier High School, attended Louisiana State University, and earned a bachelor's degree in business and economics from Northwestern State University. Before entering public office, he taught at Plain Dealing High School and Haughton High School in Bossier Parish while also selling agricultural products to support his young family.

In 1975, at the age of 28, Foster qualified for the open seat in Senate District 36. He led a crowded field in the primary and then defeated former Speaker of the House John Sidney Garrett in the runoff, becoming one of the youngest state senators in Louisiana history. His 1975 campaign slogan, ``Works hard, talks straight, makes sense,'' has epitomized his life of public service ever since. Sworn into office on May 10, 1976, he began a distinguished 27-year tenure representing Senate District 36. He served multiple terms as chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development, served multiple terms on the Senate Committee on Finance, and chaired select committees on rural electric cooperatives and consumer affairs.

During his Senate service, Foster championed legislation regulating rural electric cooperatives, resulting in lower utility rates for approximately one million Louisiana residents. He authored the legislation creating the Bossier Education Excellence Fund, a permanent trust fund supported by gaming revenue that has provided millions of dollars for public education in Bossier Parish. He authored Louisiana's ``Do Not Call'' law, one of the state's most significant consumer- protection measures, which shields residents from unwanted telemarketing. He also authored the ``Save the Louisiana Black Bear'' license plate legislation, which raised funds and provided state support for programs that helped the Louisiana Black Bear recover and be removed from the federal Endangered Species List.

Though not a prolific bill filer, he authored impactful legislation on railroad-crossing safety, the regulation of payday lenders, the Catahoula Cur as the state dog, billboards along rural portions of Interstate 49, Youth Hunting Days, and the Educational Excellence Fund created from tobacco settlement proceeds. He is also best known for his proposed oil and gas processing tax, which he argued could provide enough revenue to eliminate the state income tax while increasing funding for education and infrastructure. Colleagues will long remember his unmatched oratory and his call, ``Come on home, y'all, it's suppertime.''

In 2002, after a hard-fought campaign against a popular 18-year incumbent, Foster was elected to the Louisiana Public Service Commission, where he has served for more than two decades, representing almost one million Louisianians across 24 parishes in North Louisiana. Upon taking office on January 1, 2003, he urged his fellow commissioners to adopt long-overdue reforms, including holding meetings around the state, prohibiting commissioners' relatives from representing regulated utilities, and ending the practice of utility lobbyists providing free meals and gifts to commissioners and staff. After several years of debate, he convinced the commission to abolish the anti-competitive 19th-century rule known as ``public convenience and necessity,'' which had allowed existing trucking companies to dictate the terms under which potential competitors could haul regulated waste.

On the Commission, Foster fought on behalf of the relatives of Louisiana inmates to reduce the cost of prison telephone calls, which were among the highest in the Nation. He led the effort to bring telephone service to the remote community of Mink, Louisiana, ending its residents' decades of isolation. Following Hurricane Katrina, he reached out personally to the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission and secured 39 million dollars in federal funding to provide free cell phones to evacuees, so displaced residents could communicate with family, employers, and relief agencies. He has also advocated for policies protecting vulnerable residents, including measures to prevent utility disconnections during extreme weather and to waive utility deposits for survivors of domestic violence.

Foster is an inductee of the Louisiana Political Hall of Fame and a recipient of the Louisiana Democratic Party's Lifetime Achievement Award. Having been sworn in as a state senator in the Nation's Bicentennial year of 1976, and due only to term limits leaving the Public Service Commission at the end of this Semiquincentennial year, he will have served in elected public office for a full 20 percent of America's history. Throughout those 50 years, he has been recognized for his steadfast advocacy for rural communities, his commitment to consumer fairness, and his dedication to improving the quality of life for Louisiana citizens.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Honorable Foster L. Campbell, Jr. for 50 years of exceptional longevity, public commitment, and unwavering service to the people of Louisiana. May he be remembered for his plainspoken advocacy, and may his example continue to inspire those who serve the people of our state.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Community Chapel Church of God in Christ of Opelousas, Louisiana, which has spent 38 years in worship, evangelistic outreach, and service to the people of its community. The church was organized in July 1988 by Reverend Frank Ford, family, and friends, who found a building at 770 S. Oak Street in Opelousas suitable for worship. The congregation held its first worship experience there in August 1988, and in September 1988, Reverend Ford was appointed pastor of Community Chapel Church of God in Christ.

With the approval and favor of God, the church's growth was encouraging and inspiring. The congregation worshiped at 770 S. Oak Street until April 1991, when it purchased a worship center at 1606 College Avenue in Opelousas. In that new home, continued growth has inspired and encouraged the congregation to worship God and carry on its evangelistic outreach, bringing more families into the life of the church and adding to the strength of the faith community of Opelousas.

Over 38 years, the Community Chapel family has built a family life center and purchased properties in the area. These investments reflect a church that has put down roots in Opelousas and has planned for the future, giving the congregation more space to gather, worship, and serve.

The church's motto, ``people helping people,'' captures its approach to ministry and its history of service. In 38 years, Community Chapel has touched the lives of many people, both in the city of Opelousas and beyond it. A church that lives out that motto strengthens families, supports its neighbors, and encourages other believers by example, and it has become an important part of the faith community of Opelousas.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Community Chapel Church of God in Christ and its congregation for 38 years of faith, outreach, and service to the people of Opelousas. The church continues to grow and to experience the blessings of God, and I wish it many more years of ministry and community service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Salem Baptist Church of Bunkie, Louisiana, which marks its 120th anniversary this year. The church was founded on March 6, 1906, by Reverend Albert Luther Hayward, Sr., with four members gathered in his home. The congregation purchased property later that year and constructed its first house of worship in 1910. Throughout its 120-year history, Salem has contributed significantly to the spiritual, educational, and social development of Bunkie's African American community, and it has been a steady presence in the faith community of Bunkie from its earliest days.

During segregation, Salem served as a location for public school classes, as documented in the history of Bunkie Colored-Carver High School. By opening its doors to students, the church helped make education possible for the children of its community. Salem also hosted a community meeting organized by Principal Forest Paul Augustine during his 1945 to 1956 administration, which led to the establishment of the Community School Club. The club's efforts raised more than $1,700 toward the construction of a school auditorium, showing how the church served as a gathering place where neighbors came together to improve their schools.

In February 1942, Salem organized and sponsored Boy Scout Troop No. 106 under Scoutmaster A.J. Fisher, providing leadership and citizenship opportunities for African American boys. This service to young people reflects the church's belief that its ministry extends beyond Sunday worship to the development of future community leaders.

Salem's commitment to community advancement continued through the expansion of its educational and outreach ministries, including the construction of an educational facility in 1981. During the pastorate of Reverend James L. Sampson, the Albert L. Hayward Community Development Corporation was established to promote community improvement and development, carrying the name of the church's founder into the work of community building.

Under the leadership of Reverend Greg Jackson, pastor since 2006, Salem continues its mission of Christian education, youth development, community outreach, and spiritual service. Today, the church remains an enduring institution in the religious and community life of Bunkie, and its history of service continues to strengthen the families and congregations around it.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Salem Baptist Church and its congregation on 120 years of faith, education, and service to the people of Bunkie. May Salem continue to strengthen the faith community of Bunkie for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor First St. Paul Baptist Church, located in the historic Bayhills community near Bunkie, Louisiana. The church traces its origins to the era of slavery and is recognized in its congregational history as the oldest African American church in Avoyelles Parish. Its beginnings are associated with the former Leinster Plantation, where enslaved African Americans gathered to worship, often in secret under the cover of darkness. That determination to worship together has marked the church ever since.

Although the church's exact founding date is unknown, a deed dated October 23, 1875, documents the conveyance of approximately two acres of land for a church, a schoolhouse, and a burial ground. Together, they show the church was a place to worship, to learn, and to lay loved ones to rest. Under its first pastor, Reverend Patrick Harris, the congregation established a lasting foundation of faith and fellowship during the transition from slavery to freedom, becoming a source of stability and hope for families building new lives.

Destructive storms struck in 1885 and again in 1945, but First St. Paul persevered, rebuilt its house of worship, and continued its ministry. After the 1945 storm, Amazon Baptist Church welcomed the congregation until its building could be restored, a sign of the fellowship among the area's churches.

The church's influence extended throughout the area as descendants of its founding families helped establish and serve other congregations, including Second St. Paul Baptist Church, Amazon Baptist Church, and First Union Baptist Church. In this way, First St. Paul has strengthened the faith community of Bunkie and the surrounding area well beyond its own walls.

Today, under the leadership of Reverend John Calbert, First St. Paul continues its more than 160-year legacy of faith, resilience, and service to the Bayhills and greater Bunkie communities. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring First St. Paul Baptist Church and its congregation for their enduring faith and service to the people of Bunkie. May First St. Paul continue to strengthen the faith community of Bunkie for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mt. Olive Baptist Church of Opelousas, Louisiana, a congregation with more than 130 years of faith, education, and service. In 1890,

a group of Christians came out from Little Zion Baptist Church and began to discuss plans for what would become Mt. Olive. The church was organized in 1891 in the home of Brother Alex Sanders, with Brother Felix Green as leader. On January 5, 1891, the congregation purchased land from Mrs. Louis Prudhomme for the purpose of erecting a church building, and that plan was accomplished when the first church was built. From its earliest days, Mt. Olive grew out of the faith and initiative of a small group of believers who were determined to have a church home of their own.

The church's service to its community reached well beyond worship. In 1897, when there were few schools for Black children in Opelousas and across Louisiana, the 7th District Baptist School was founded at Mt. Olive. The school was housed in the original church building on Market Street and remained active until 1918, for about two decades. It was one of only two private schools for area Blacks, the other being St. Joseph's Convent. In providing a place to learn at a time when educational opportunities were scarce, Mt. Olive helped shape the lives of generations in the Opelousas community and showed that the church's mission included the education of its young people.

Mt. Olive's role in the faith community of Opelousas has been shaped by this history of service. A church that opens its building to a school understands that faith and the welfare of the community go together, and that investing in education is an investment in the future of families and neighborhoods. That legacy continues to inform the church's identity and its place among the congregations of Opelousas.

Today, a historic marker in front of the church designates the site as a historic site in Louisiana, preserving for future generations the story of the church and of the school it housed. Mt. Olive's history is part of the story of Opelousas, and of the determination of its people to build institutions that served their families.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mt. Olive Baptist Church and its congregation for more than 130 years of faith, education, and service to the people of Opelousas. May Mt. Olive continue to strengthen the faith community of Opelousas and to serve its community for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor The Truth Is Ministries of Opelousas, Louisiana, a church founded on love, compassion, and the belief that ministry must reach beyond the walls of the church to touch the everyday lives of families. The ministry was born from a vision placed in the hearts of Pastor Easton Shelvin and Lady Kizzy Shelvin while Pastor Shelvin was serving as pastor of Little Zion Baptist Church in Port Barre, Louisiana. It began as an outreach ministry with a mission to restore and strengthen families, and it was formally established as a church in 2009.

In its early years, Pastor Shelvin and Lady Kizzy hosted youth concerts and family fun days in parks in several communities. Their special concern for underserved children led to the Toys for Tots Christmas concerts, at which national recording artist Paul Porter joined the ministry as bicycles, toys, money, and gift certificates were given to children and families. As the ministry served young people, its leaders saw another urgent need in strengthening marriages, and they began Marital Couples Night Outs and marriage seminars that gave couples encouragement, fellowship, and practical support. Many marriages experienced healing and restoration.

The outreach ministry then needed a spiritual home where families could worship together and where fellowship would be rooted in love and the Word of God. With the help and support of their parents and family, Pastor Shelvin and Lady Kizzy established The Truth Is Ministries as a church. The first worship service was held at the Opelousas City North Park Civic Center, where much of the ministry's outreach had begun. A year later, the congregation moved to Highway 749, where it occupied two locations over five years, a season of growth and development. During this time, the ministry celebrated its first spiritual son, Christopher Lazard, who accepted his prophetic calling and later established Spirit of Elijah Life Institute Church. The church also endured difficult seasons, when some people walked away, yet the ministry continued to love them, and in time some returned.

In 2015, The Truth Is Ministries moved to its present home at 619 West Vine Street in Opelousas. United around a vision of restoration, the church family transfonned a building considered to have no value into a place of worship, hope, and community service. Pastor Shelvin often uses the restored sanctuary as a living illustration of the ministry's calling: ``If we can come together and restore a building considered to have no value, then we can come together and restore people whom the world has treated as though they have no value.'' The church has worked to put that conviction into action by preaching the Gospel, serving families, embracing those who have been overlooked, and believing that every life has God-given worth.

For more than a decade, lives have been blessed, strengthened, and restored through the Word of God preached by Pastor Shelvin and the faithful service of Lady Kizzy Shelvin and the entire church family. The church lovingly remembers those who labored with it and have gone on to glory. The Truth Is Ministries has been a pillar of strength in Opelousas by guiding underserved children toward adulthood through faith, supporting families, and showing, in its own words, that it is ``not a building'' but a people joined together by faith, love, and a shared commitment to restoration.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring The Truth Is Ministries and its congregation for their faith, compassion, and service to the families of Opelousas. May the ministry continue to restore and strengthen families, and to show that every life has God- given worth, for generatIons to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mount Calvary Baptist Church of Alexandria, Louisiana, a congregation whose history of faith, sacrifice, and service spans roughly eight decades. The church traces its roots to Good Faith Baptist Church, founded by the late Reverend N. H. Ailsworth, who served as its pastor for 3 years. On July 21, 1946, Reverend J. S. Lawson, a member of Good Faith who was also pastor of Bright Morning Star on Jet Hill in Cloverdale, Louisiana, was unanimously elected pastor. Several members of Bright Morning Star followed him, contributing to the growth of the church, and a few months later it was renamed Mount Calvary Baptist Church. Reverend Lawson appointed the church's first officers, including Brother Henry Clark as Senior Deacon, Sister Velma Anderson as Secretary, and Sister Jane Hampton as Clerk, along with its first deaconesses and choir leaders.

For approximately 27 years, the congregation worshipped in a small frame building at 3109 Houston Street in Alexandria. Because of the church's growth and the poor condition of the building, it was torn down on May 19, 1970. The 40-by-80-foot lot did not meet the city's minimum lot area requirements for a new structure, so the search began for another site. In the meantime, services were held at New Kingdom Baptist Church, then under the leadership of Reverend Matthew Slaughter, an example of the cooperation among Alexandria's congregations.

The answer came when Sister Lillie Lawson spotted a church for sale at 320 Daspit Street and contacted Deacon Huey Lawson, a real estate salesman, who brought the information to the membership. The price was $60,000, and the church had only $1,300 in the bank. Some members felt the price was too steep, but others believed that with God all things are possible. After many prayers and much bargaining, Southside Baptist Church lowered the price to $33,000, and through sacrifices and generous donations Mount Calvary bought the church. Dedication services were held the first week of December 1970 under the auspices of the Educational Missionary Baptist Association, then led by Reverend J.J. Rax.

Mount Calvary thrived under Reverend Lawson, whose soul-stirring sermons and witty personality were matched by the work of loyal members. They included Brother Willie Anderson, who chaired the Deacon Board for more than 30 years; Brother R.L. Nash, Sunday School Superintendent; Sister Rosa Wells White, Sunday School Secretary; Sister Thelma Elie and Sister Delores Ashner of the Food Ministry; and Sister Ashner, President of the Deaconess Board, who helped start the Graduating High School Seniors Program. After the move, Cenla Community Action Committee located a Head Start Center in the building, and the church grew so quickly that the sanctuary had to be enlarged. Members of the disbanded Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Magda, Louisiana, also pastored by Reverend Lawson, later joined the congregation.

Reverend Lawson served for a little over 40 years before failing health limited his time in the pulpit, and the congregation remained strong under three assistant pastors, Reverend Joseph Humphrey, Reverend Wilson King, and Reverend Huey Lawson. On December 22, 1986, fire caused extensive damage to the sanctuary and the rear of the church, and services were held at Smyrna Seventh Day Adventist Church, with Pastor Alfred Booker presiding, during the restoration. As renovations neared completion, Reverend Lawson passed, and the first service in the restored church was his funeral.

In April 1987, Reverend Huey P. Lawson was elected pastor, and under his direction the church grew spiritually and physically. His tenure brought a Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting and Bible Study, the laying of the cornerstone, a steeple, renovated restrooms, a new pastor's study, and the purchase of several houses and of 3.7-acre and 15-acre tracts of land with plans for a new church facility. The church also established the J. S. Lawson Foundation, an Outreach Mission Ministry, and a Health Care Ministry, extending its service into the community. In July 2005, Reverend Ronnie Humphrey and the Saint Paul Baptist Church merged with the Mount Calvary family.

Reverend Huey P. Lawson retired as pastor on January 6, 2008, and Reverend Ronnie Humphrey was elected pastor on January 13, 2008, and installed on February 14, 2008. Under his leadership, six new deacons were ordained in 2009, a church organ was purchased, a Youth Bible Study began, and the land for future expansion was paid off. Extensive renovations began in 2021, and in 2022 the sanctuary and women's classroom received state-of-the-art audio and visual enhancements and the kitchen was remodeled.

Today, Mount Calvary Baptist Church continues its ministry in Alexandria, and many descendants of the ``Old Mount Calvary'' families, including the Anderson, Batiste, Humphrey, Lawson, Nash, and Obey families, still promote the growth and welfare of the church. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mount Calvary Baptist Church and its congregation for its faith, perseverance, and service to the people of Alexandria. May Mount Calvary continue to grow in faith and in service for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church of Port Allen, Louisiana, a longstanding congregation and community institution located at 950 7th Street. Under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Raymond E. Allen, Sr., Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church continues to serve its congregation and surrounding community through worship, ministry, education, and outreach.

Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church has a long history in the Baton Rouge community, with limited records dating to before 1899. In 1899, the church was reorganized under the direction of the Fourth District Baptist Association, and Reverend A. A. Ginn was elected pastor. In 1900, land was purchased from the Benevolent Society to establish a permanent church home, and the church was officially chartered.

Over the following decades, Shiloh experienced continued growth under the leadership of several pastors. In 1965, the original church building was demolished, and a new structure was constructed. The congregation returned to its present site on January 23, 1966, and paid the mortgage in full in less than 10 years. The church also expanded its property by acquiring land for a cemetery, additional parking, and future development.

In 1991, Reverend Alvin L. Green, Sr., became pastor and emphasized local missions, community outreach, and Christian education. Following his passing in 2000, Reverend Raymond Allen, Sr., was elected pastor on July 3, 2001. Under his continued leadership, the church experienced increased attendance, membership growth, and expanded ministries.

In 2011, Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church began planning for a new fellowship hall to provide additional space for worship, ministry, education, and community activities. This effort reflects the congregation's enduring commitment to meeting the needs of its members and strengthening its service to the surrounding community.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Reverend Dr. Raymond E. Allen, Sr., and the faithful congregation of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church for their enduring commitment to worship, ministry, Christian education, and community outreach. May Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church continue to serve as a beacon of faith and hope for the people of Port Allen and West Baton Rouge Parish for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Impact Church of Shreveport, Louisiana, which has grown from a newly established ministry in the late 1990s into an institution of worship, spiritual development, leadership, and community service. The church traces its beginnings to September 11, 1998, when Pastor Rasby G. Mason II received the call to organize what was originally known as Temple of Deliverance Full Gospel Baptist Church, built on a vision of reaching people, transforming lives, and making a meaningful difference in the community.

Only 2 days later, on September 13, 1998, Temple of Deliverance held its first worship service at the Clarion Hotel on 70th Street in Shreveport. Ninety-one people attended, and 52 became members, giving the new ministry a strong foundation. Without a permanent facility, the congregation showed that a church's strength lies in the people who believe in its mission. As attendance grew, services moved to Louisiana State University Shreveport, and in May 1999; less than a year after that first service, the ministry moved into its own location on East 70th Street. That permanent home allowed the church to expand its worship, ministries, leadership development, outreach, and programs for families, and to become more closely connected to the surrounding Shreveport community.

In 2012, the church adopted the name Impact Church, reflecting an expanded vision of making a positive and lasting impact on individuals, families, communities, and ultimately the world. The name is tied to the ministry's guiding vision of ``impacting the world one person at a time,'' the belief that meaningful change begins with individuals, and that strengthening one person's faith, encouraging one family, developing one leader, or helping one person in difficulty can reach outward into neighborhoods, workplaces, and communities. Central to the church's identity is a culture of love and grace, in which people from different backgrounds and life experiences can find acceptance, spiritual direction, and opportunities for personal growth. Impact Church also identifies as a deliverance ministry, maintaining the spiritual foundation established when it was organized as Temple of Deliverance, and seeks through worship, preaching, prayer, and biblical instruction to help people overcome personal and spiritual challenges.

Worship remains central to the life of Impact Church, where members receive biblical teaching, pray, and build fellowship. The church has also made leadership development a priority, encouraging members to strengthen their gifts and talents so they can be positive influences in their families, careers, churches, and communities. Its focus on families reflects the conviction that strong families build strong communities, and the church offers spiritual guidance, encouragement, and resources to help people of all ages and backgrounds navigate everyday life.

Impact Church's commitment to service extends beyond its worship. Through community outreach, the congregation seeks to provide practical assistance and encouragement to people both within and outside its membership, in the belief that ministry is measured not only by what happens during a worship service but by what members do for their neighbors when they leave the sanctuary. The ministry has grown through the commitment of its pastors, ministry leaders, volunteers, families, and members, who have invested their time, talents, resources, and faith to turn the vision of 1998 into a ministry that serves the Shreveport community.

Today, Impact Church continues its ministry under the leadership of Bishop Rasby G. Mason II, Apostle and Founder, whose leadership remains connected to the vision that inspired the original congregation. Pastor Jacqueline Mason serves as Site Pastor, providing pastoral leadership to the congregation and supporting its emphasis on worship, discipleship, family, leadership development, and community engagement. Together with the church's ministry leaders and members, they continue to build on the foundation established more than a quarter-century ago.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Impact Church and its congregation for more than 25 years of vision, faith, and service to the people of Shreveport. May Impact Church continue to create a culture of love and grace, support families, develop leaders, serve the community, and transform lives for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Progressive Baptist Church of Lafayette, Louisiana, a steadfast beacon of faith, hope, and community service located at 2001 East Simcoe Street. Founded in 1925 by Brothers and Sisters Warren Hall, W.O. Brian R. Anderson, and Henry Sias, Progressive Baptist Church has served generations of worshippers and community members with dedication and purpose.

Shortly after its organization, Reverend A.C. Marshall was called to serve as the church's first pastor. He led a congregation of nine members, and a small, white-framed church was constructed in 1926, marking a new era of growth and stability. Progressive Baptist Church later became affiliated with the Seventh District Missionary Baptist Association, and Reverend Marshall faithfully served the congregation for 20 years.

Following Reverend Marshall's tenure, Reverend Alex, Reverend J.J. Webster, Reverend E.D. Rideaux, Reverend C.R. Steward, and Reverend Freddie Banks served in succession, continuing the church's mission of spreading the Gospel and strengthening its ministry. Reverend Raymond Smith later became pastor and oversaw a period of remarkable growth and development, including the expansion and renovation of the church building in 1953, the purchase of property for future development, the construction of a fellowship hall, and the acquisition of land for a church cemetery.

Following Reverend Smith's pastorate, Pastor Lloyd Joiner, Jr., was called to lead Progressive Baptist Church, ushering in an extraordinary era of growth, vision, and ministry. Under Pastor Joiner's dynamic leadership, the current sanctuary was constructed, and the church completed numerous renovations and improvements, including the Lloyd Joiner, Jr. Educational Building, which provides space for Christian education and ministries, as well as a daycare facility serving families in the community.

Pastor Joiner's commitment to community engagement also led to the establishment of the Progressive Community Outreach Center. The center serves the congregation and the wider Lafayette community by hosting health screenings, a GED program, sports events, financial literacy classes, grief share meetings, a summer enrichment program, and a testing center--all with the mission of sharing the love and Word of God.

Under Pastor Joiner's continued vision, United Theological Seminary and Bible College established an extension campus on the grounds of Progressive Baptist Church, training men and women from various Christian denominations for leadership within their churches, communities, and beyond. After 44 years of faithful service, Pastor Lloyd Joiner retired and now serves honorably as Pastor Emeritus.

On October 15, 2023, Dr. Chad E. Nora was elected as the next pastor of Progressive Baptist Church. Since assuming leadership, Pastor Chad has emphasized three core focuses: strong biblical teaching; a loving, sincere church community; and caring, effective, and meaningful outreach. He has overseen multiple facility upgrades, modernized church operations through digital innovation, introduced new ministry initiatives, and established the church's official vision, mission, and slogan, reflecting a commitment to unity, purpose, tradition, and progress.

In 2025, Progressive Baptist Church celebrated its centennial, honoring the vision, perseverance, and faith of generations past while looking forward with hope and purpose to the future.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Pastor Chad E. Nora and the faithful congregation of Progressive Baptist Church for a century of worship, ministry, Christian education, and community outreach. May Progressive Baptist Church continue to serve as a beacon of faith and hope for the people of Lafayette and beyond for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor New Scott Olly Baptist Church of Alexandria, Louisiana--an enduring institution of faith, fellowship, and community service that has stood as a spiritual anchor in Rapides Parish for nearly six decades. Formally organized on January 26, 1965, as a Non-Profit Religious Corporation under Louisiana law, New Scott Olly Baptist Church has grown from its early beginnings into a vibrant and beloved congregation deeply rooted in Scripture-centered worship and service to others.

From its founding, New Scott Olly Baptist Church embraced the Baptist traditions of believer's baptism, congregational governance, and worship grounded in the Word of God. Over the years, the congregation developed a blended worship experience, incorporating both traditional hymns and contemporary praise, reflecting the diverse expressions of faith within its fellowship. Its ministries for children and youth have played a central role in nurturing the next generation, providing a place where young people can grow spiritually, build community, and learn the importance of service.

More than a gathering place for Sunday worship, New Scott Olly Baptist Church has long functioned as a community hub--a place where individuals and families find support, spiritual guidance, and meaningful connection. Bible study groups, prayer meetings, and outreach ministries have shaped the church's identity as one committed to holistic ministry. The church's location in the heart of Alexandria makes it accessible to lingtime residents and newcomers alike, and its doors remain open to all who seek fellowship, hope, and a deeper understanding of God's Word.

The impact of New Scott Olly Baptist Church extends well beyond its sanctuary walls. For decades, the church has provided a moral and spiritual presence in Rapides Parish, supporting community partnerships, participating in local outreach programs, and offering assistance to those facing economic, social, or personal challenges. Whether through food drives, youth mentorship, community events, or support for struggling families, the church has demonstrated unwavering dedication to serving its neighbors--embodying the Biblical can to love one another in word and deed.

Today, New Scott Olly Baptist Church continues its forward-looking ministry under the leadership of Reverend Lynell Smith, who has guided the congregation with steadfast devotion and a passion for outreach. Under Reverend Smith's leadership, the church remains committed to spiritual growth, congregational unity, and community engagement. His vision has strengthened the church's mission and reaffirmed the commitment of its members to live out their faith through service, compassion, and worship.

Mr. Speaker, after more than 60 years of ministry, New Scott Olly Baptist Church stands as a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and community. Its enduring presence in Alexandria reflects generations of believers who dedicated their time, talents, and hearts to the work of the church. As it continues to grow and serve, New Scott Olly Baptist Church remains a beacon of hope and a vital part of the spiritual and civic life of Rapides Parish. I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring New Scott Olly Baptist Church for its dedication to the community, and the spreading of the Word of God.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, located in Alexandria, Louisiana. Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Alexandria, Louisiana, traces its origins to March 29, 1863,

when approximately 50 formerly enslaved people gathered in the yard of the Price, Birch & Company slave pen at 1315 Duke Street to form the Old Shiloh Society, later known as Shiloh Baptist Church. At the time, the slave pen was under Union control and served as a prison for Confederate deserters; its yard was repurposed as a hospital for Black Union soldiers and a sanctuary for freed men, women, and children seeking safety and dignity during the turmoil of the Civil War. Out of this place of suffering, perseverance, and newfound possibility, a congregation was born--one that would go on to shape the religious and civic life of Alexandria for generations.

The early members of Shiloh first met in a U.S. Government mess hall located on the grounds of L'Ouverture Hospital, where wounded Black Union soldiers and contraband civilians were housed. When the mess hall was replaced by a nearby barracks, the congregation worshipped there until the structure was destroyed by fire. Undeterred, the growing church continued meeting in the Staunton School as a temporary worship space. Under the leadership of Rev. Leland Warring--a formerly enslaved man, teacher, and Baptist minister--the church grew steadily over more than two decades. Rev. Warring shepherded the congregation through Reconstruction and beyond, helping to establish Shiloh as a cornerstone institution for newly freed African Americans navigating their first years of liberty.

On September 26, 1865, the congregation dedicated its first frame church building on West Street near Duke Street. Although this structure was destroyed by fire in 1872, Shiloh continued worshipping in various locations and ultimately built a permanent edifice. Surviving church minutes from the 1890s offer a glimpse into the congregation's early character, including the memorable notation: ``No clapping in the church.'' What began as a modest gathering during wartime evolved into a permanent spiritual home, one that provided stability, fellowship, and collective strength.

As one of the earliest Black Baptist congregations in Alexandria-- alongside First, Second (Beulah), and Fourth Baptist churches--Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church quickly became a central institution in the African; American community. Through Sabbath schools, worship services, community support, and social ministry, Shiloh offered not only spiritual nourishment but also education, mutual aid, and leadership at a time when African Americans faced legal, social, and political barriers. The congregation's history is inseparable from the broader narrative of Alexandria's Civil War and Reconstruction eras, reflecting the resilience, self-determination, and vision of newly freed people who sought to build stable and empowered communities.

Equally important is Shiloh's longstanding commitment to community service and civic engagement--a cornerstone of its ministry from the 19th century to the present day. From its earliest years, the church functioned not only as a religious institution but as a gathering place where African Americans could organize, support one another, and cultivate leaders. Throughout the 20th century, Shiloh played a meaningful role in the advancement of education, civil rights awareness, family support, and neighborhood stability. Its ministries provided encouragement in times of hardship, assistance to families in need, and programs that strengthened community bonds. Whether through youth development, outreach to the underserved, participation in local initiatives, or partnerships with civic organizations, Shiloh consistently demonstrated that faith must be lived out in service to others.

Today, Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church remains a vibrant and enduring presence in Alexandria. Its ministry honors a legacy forged by men and women who gathered in the shadow of a slave pen yet envisioned a future defined by fellowship, hope, and self-governance. As a living part of Alexandria's heritage, Shiloh continues its mission to uplift its community spiritually, socially, and culturally--preserving its role as a steadfast spiritual anchor and a powerful example of service, resilience, and faith in action. I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church's enduring legacy.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor St. Matthew Baptist Church of Alexandria, Louisiana, which was organized on October 5, 1869, and has served its community with faith and devotion for more than 150 years. Born from a vision and an open heart, St. Matthew built its first facility on Sunny Island under the leadership of the late Reverend Jake Johnson. The building was large enough to hold three rows of pews, and the congregation also built a parsonage for its pastor and established burial grounds where many of its forebears are laid to rest. The congregation worshiped at that location for 66 years, and in that time the church became a place where families worshiped, raised their children, and laid their loved ones to rest.

In 1935, rising river waters forced St. Matthew to relocate. The Odd Fellows and Ruth's, a local fraternal organization whose members were also members of the church, dedicated a half-acre of land for a second church home. That gift shows how closely St. Matthew's story is tied to the people around it, and the church has long drawn strength from that spirit of community partnership. By 1984, the church roll recorded 187 members, and it continued to grow, adding to the strength of the faith community of Alexandria.

Beyond worship, St. Matthew served as an educational center. The lodge allowed the church to use its hall for school, which became known as Luckett Elementary School and soon became the educational center for the whole community. By giving children a place to learn, the church and its neighbors showed that faith and service to the community go together, and that investment in education is an investment in the future. This history of service reaches well beyond the walls of the sanctuary and remains part of the church's legacy in Alexandria.

St. Matthew has been guided by devoted pastors, including Reverend Jake Johnson, Reverend William Young, Reverend Robert Cleveland, Reverend P.H. McGruder, Reverend Dave D. Smith, and Pastor Emeritus Reverend Joe S. Green. Reverend Frank Jackson serves today as Senior Pastor. Each generation of pastoral leadership has helped carry the congregation forward, preaching and teaching the gospel and nurturing a church family that has stood as a pillar of the faith community in Alexandria.

In May 1985, the church obtained 10 acres of land where it stands today. Since that time, God has blessed St. Matthew with rapid growth in its ministries and membership. The church remains dedicated to preaching and teaching the gospel, firmly standing on the word of God, with the mission of ``Making Disciples.'' That mission shapes the church's impact on the faith community of Alexandria, as it helps believers grow in faith and prepares them to serve others.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring St. Matthew and its congregation for more than 150 years of faith, perseverance, and service to the people of Alexandria. May St. Matthew continue to make disciples,

strengthen the faith community, and serve its neighbors for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mary Springhill African Methodist Episcopal Church of Shreveport, Louisiana, a historic congregation and steadfast community institution located at 4426 Linwood Avenue. Under the leadership of Dr. Lorenzo Neal and the Central North Louisiana Conference within the 8th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Mary Springhill AME continues to serve as a beacon of faith, fellowship, worship, and community engagement.

Mary Springhill AME Church recently celebrated its 127th church anniversary in late 2025, reflecting a history that reaches back to approximately 1898. For more than a century, the congregation has provided generations of worshippers with a spiritual home where individuals and families can gather, grow in faith, and support one another through life's joys and challenges.

The designation ``African Methodist Episcopal'' carries profound historical meaning. The denomination was organized by people of African descent in response to racial discrimination within the white Methodist Episcopal Church and was legally established in 1816 by Richard Allen in Philadelphia. ``Methodist'' reflects the church's doctrinal roots, while ``Episcopal'' describes its governance by bishops.

The name ``Mary Springhill`` also reflects the ways in which African American congregations have preserved faith, family, and local history in their names. ``Springhill`` may refer to the location of an original church site, a natural landmark, or a historic community settlement, while ``Mary'' may honor a biblical figure or an important person connected to the congregation's founding and heritage.

As a traditional AME congregation, Mary Springhill is grounded in a Wesleyan-Arminian theological tradition. The church affirms the Holy Trinity--God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost--as one eternal God, as well as the true resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Mary Springhill AME also upholds the Holy Scriptures, accepting the canonical books of the Old and New Testaments as containing all things necessary for human salvation. Its ministry emphasizes grace, forgiveness, inclusivity, and the opportunity for individuals to receive second chances through the teachings of Jesus Christ.

The congregation further demonstrates that faith is expressed through action. Through community service, social empowerment, outreach, traditional hymns, contemporary worship, and youth ministries, Mary Springhill AME seeks to strengthen families, encourage young people, and respond to the needs of the Shreveport community.

Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me in honoring Dr. Lorenzo Neal and the faithful congregation of Mary Springhill African Methodist Episcopal Church for more than a century of worship, perseverance, service, and Christian witness. May Mary Springhill AME continue to be a source of hope, spiritual growth, community empowerment, and fellowship for the people of Shreveport and for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor St. John Baptist Church of Mansfield, Louisiana, a historic congregation and valued community institution located at 900 Johnson Street. Under the leadership of Rev. Isiah D. Anderson, Sr., St. John Baptist Church continues to provide worship, fellowship, and community ministry to the people of Mansfield and DeSoto Parish.

The congregation's roots extend to the late nineteenth century. Historical records, including William Hicks's A History of Louisiana Negro Baptists, document baptisms taking place at the Mansfield congregation as early as 1878, underscoring the church's longstanding presence and significance in the community.

St. John Baptist Church was also shaped by the influential ministry of Elder and Bishop I. A. Carter. During his years of service to the Mansfield church in the late 1800s, he directed the construction of several houses of worship and baptized hundreds of individuals, laying a strong spiritual foundation for future generations.

For nearly 150 years, St. John Baptist Church has embodied the faith, perseverance, and dedication of the people it serves. Despite the passage of time and changing circumstances, the congregation has remained devoted to worship and to offering a spiritual home where individuals and families can come together, deepen their faith, and encourage one another.

The story of St. John Baptist Church further demonstrates the essential role religious institutions play in preserving community identity. Its enduring record of worship, baptism, leadership, and congregational fellowship reflects the ways churches have strengthened families and nurtured hope in communities across Louisiana.

Today, St. John Baptist Church continues its ministry from its Johnson Street location through worship services and community outreach. The congregation also shares its message through its official website and St. John Baptist Church Facebook page, extending its ministry to members and supporters both near and far.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Rev. Isiah D. Anderson, Sr. and the devoted congregation of St. John Baptist Church for their lasting contributions through worship, leadership, service, and community ministry. May St. John Baptist Church continue to offer faith, fellowship, and strength to the people of Mansfield and to generations yet to come.