Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Bright Star Baptist Church of Shreveport, Louisiana, an enduring institution of Christian faith, worship, fellowship, and community service for more than a century. Founded in 1922, the church has remained committed to providing a spiritual home where individuals and families can worship God, strengthen their faith, build meaningful relationships, and serve others, grounded in its mission of loving God, loving one another, and loving those who are lost.

Since its establishment, Bright Star has been built on a strong foundation of faith and Christian service. Through worship, prayer, biblical teaching, fellowship, outreach, and service, the congregation has provided spiritual guidance and encouragement while responding to the needs of individuals and families throughout the surrounding community. For more than 100 years, generations of families have entered its doors to worship, pray, learn, celebrate, grieve, and find encouragement, and through periods of social, economic, and cultural change the church has remained a place of stability, fellowship, and spiritual support.

Worship has remained at the heart of Bright Star's ministry. Through regular services, prayer, preaching, music, and Christian fellowship, members have grown spiritually and formed a strong sense of community. Bible study and Christian education have likewise equipped members with the spiritual foundation to meet the challenges of everyday life and have prepared future generations to become leaders in the church and community. Prayer has been another foundation of the congregation, giving members strength and encouragement in moments of joy and in times of hardship.

The church's ministry has consistently extended beyond its worship services. Bright Star has shown a commitment to outreach and community involvement by seeking opportunities to meet practical needs and assist individuals and families, including community clothing giveaways that provide tangible support to its neighbors. These efforts reflect the church's belief that Christian ministry includes both sharing the message of faith and demonstrating that faith through service, and they continue the tradition of African American churches and other faith institutions in Shreveport that have served as centers of worship while also providing support, leadership, fellowship, education, and assistance.

For many families, Bright Star has been much more than a place to attend church services. It has been a spiritual home where relationships are formed, families are strengthened, and generations have celebrated baptisms, marriages, anniversaries, and accomplishments and gathered for homegoing services. The church's longevity is a testament to the pastors, ministers, deacons, ministry leaders, musicians, teachers, volunteers, families, and faithful members who have given their time, talents, prayers, and resources to sustain its ministry for those who follow.

An important chapter in the church's modern history began in 1997, when Pastor Patrick L.

Dennis began serving as pastor. His tenure, now spanning multiple decades, has given the congregation continuity in spiritual leadership as it entered a new century of ministry. Under his leadership, Bright Star has continued to emphasize worship, Bible study, prayer, Christian fellowship, outreach, and involvement in the community, building on the work of previous generations while focusing on the spiritual development of its members and the needs of the people it is called to serve.

Today, Bright Star Baptist Church remains committed to worship, Bible study, prayer, fellowship, evangelism, outreach, and service, and continues to seek opportunities to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals and families throughout Shreveport. As new generations become part of the congregation, they inherit a legacy of faith, sacrifice, perseverance, and service, and the responsibility of carrying that mission forward through Christian education, the development of future leaders, and continued outreach.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Bright Star Baptist Church and its congregation for more than a century of faith and service to the people of Shreveport. Guided by its mission of loving God, loving one another, and loving those who are lost, may Bright Star continue to stand as a beacon of faith, hope, fellowship, and service for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mount Calvary Baptist Church of Mansfield, Louisiana, a valued congregation and community institution located at 329 Porter Street. Under the leadership of Pastor Williams and the dedicated service of its members, Mount Calvary Baptist Church continues to provide worship, fellowship, and ministry to the people of Mansfield and DeSoto Parish.

The historical roots of the original Mount Calvary Baptist Church are connected to the early-twentieth-century movement to establish African American Baptist congregations in communities where such spaces were needed. Across generations, the church has developed as a multigenerational and multicultural beacon, welcoming people from many walks of life and seeking to strengthen the bonds of faith and community.

The name ``Mount Calvary'' honors Calvary, or Golgotha, the biblical hill outside Jerusalem where Jesus Christ was crucified. This name reflects the church's emphasis on the sacrifice, salvation, grace, and redemption that form the foundation of its Christian faith.

Mount Calvary Baptist Church has also demonstrated faithful stewardship through its commitment to improving its facilities. During a period of leadership transition, including major improvements advanced under Pastor Williams, the congregation undertook Phase I renovations focused on the lobby and main sanctuary. These efforts included hand-cleaning the historic interior brick walls, updating the structural paint, and installing a new pulpit.

The congregation completed the $87,000 Phase I renovation project entirely debt-free, reflecting careful planning, shared commitment, and responsible financial stewardship. This accomplishment stands as a testament to the generosity and dedication of Mount Calvary Baptist Church's members and supporters.

Mount Calvary Baptist Church is grounded in fundamental, Bible-based Baptist doctrines. The church affirms one true and living God, eternally existing in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit and teaches that salvation is the free gift of divine grace received through faith in Jesus Christ, apart from human works.

The church recognizes the Old and New Testaments as the inspired and infallible Word of God and observes the two ordinances of the Christian faith: believers' baptism by full immersion and the Lord's Supper. It also affirms the local church as an autonomous body of baptized believers called to carry out the Great Commission.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Pastor Williams and the faithful congregation of Mount Calvary Baptist Church for their enduring commitment to worship, stewardship, ministry, and community fellowship. May Mount Calvary Baptist Church continue to serve as a place of faith, welcome, and hope for the people of Mansfield and for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Pleasant Hill Baptist Church of Shreveport, Louisiana--an enduring pillar of faith, fellowship, and community uplift whose legacy spans more than one hundred years. Established in 1916 under the name New Zion Baptist Church, and reorganized in 1917 as Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, this historic congregation has served as a spiritual home for generations of families, shaping the religious and civic landscape of the Shreveport community.

From its earliest beginnings, Pleasant Hill Baptist Church has stood as far more than a place of Sunday worship. It became a sanctuary where individuals and families could strengthen their Christian faith, find encouragement in times of hardship, and work together in service and fellowship. Through seasons of change--both within the community and across the nation--the congregation remained firmly anchored in its commitment to Christian principles, spiritual development, and compassionate outreach. Its consistency in mission reflects the enduring strength and perseverance of historically rooted African American churches throughout Louisiana and the South.

As the congregation grew in size and ministry, Pleasant Hill Baptist Church experienced periods of expansion, relocation, and renewal. Each transition marked another chapter in the church's unfolding story, propelled by members who were determined to preserve the ministry entrusted to them by earlier generations. Pastors, ministers, deacons, trustees, ministry leaders, and lay members all contributed their time, talents, resources, and leadership, ensuring that Pleasant Hill remained a

place where worship, learning, and service could flourish. Their collective dedication allowed the church to continue building opportunities for future generations to gather, grow, and serve.

Throughout its more than one hundred years of ministry, Pleasant Hill Baptist Church has maintained a strong emphasis on Christian education, biblical teaching, and spiritual growth. Its worship services, prayer meetings, Bible study programs, youth ministries, and outreach initiatives have helped nurture the spiritual and practical needs of countless individuals and families. The church has long recognized that ministry extends beyond the sanctuary walls. As such, it has been an active force for good in the Shreveport community--supporting families, uplifting neighborhoods, and embodying the call to love and serve others with sincerity and compassion.

The continued presence and longevity of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church highlight the vital role that historic African American congregations have played in strengthening communities through faith, leadership, fellowship, and advocacy. For more than a century, Pleasant Hill has remained a place where people could come together during moments of celebration and times of struggle--offering comfort, stability, and hope to all who entered its doors. Its story is intertwined with the broader narrative of Shreveport's religious, cultural, and civic history.

Today, Pleasant Hill Baptist Church continues its historic mission under the leadership of Rev. Reginald G. Reid, Sr., who became the congregation's 11th pastor in 2022. Under Pastor Reid's leadership, Pleasant Hill remains committed to honoring the legacy of the pastors and members who came before him while boldly preparing for the future of ministry and service. His vision has helped strengthen the congregation's spiritual foundation, expand its outreach efforts, and reinforce its role as a vital institution in the community.

More than a century after its founding, Pleasant Hill Baptist Church stands as a testament to faith, perseverance, fellowship, and generational commitment. From its beginnings as New Zion Baptist Church in 1916 to the thriving ministry it represents today, the church's enduring presence is a tribute to the men and women who faithfully supported its mission and to a congregation determined to carry that legacy forward for generations yet to come. I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring Pleasant Hill's extraordinary legacy.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge St. Mary African Methodist Episcopal Church in Shreveport, Louisiana, a congregation whose history dates back to 1911 on Harts Island. The founders formally organized the church in 1912 in a three-room house on Freewater Street, then known by the congregation as City Hopewell. From the prayer meeting union formed within that small home, St. Mary A.M.E. Church emerged, guided by a devoted group of Christians and inspired by visiting ministers who recognized the congregation's need for a permanent place of worship.

Among those present at the church's organization were Sister Carrie Jones, Brother Robert Knuckles, Brother Charlie Knuckles, Brother George Knuckles, Sister Ella Knuckles, Brother Kunt Holt, Sister Pearl Holt, Brother Elder Williams, Sister Sissy Washington, Brother Gus Campbell, the Houston family, and the pastor, Rev. George Jones. Under the pastorate of Rev. Jim Brown, the congregation received encouragement that strengthened its determination to press forward in faith.

As the church grew, the Board of Trustees purchased a site at 1654 Rex Street and erected a frame structure for worship. Seeking a more suitable location, the congregation later sold that property and moved the church to 1603 Rex Street under the pastorate of Rev. E.D. Wilson. While workers relocated the structure, services were held in the old Stoner Hill School. Over subsequent years, St. Mary continued improving its building through the leadership of dedicated pastors, including Rev. W.L. Debro, Rev. F.D. Murray, and Rev. T.H. Terry.

Major improvements took place under Rev. Earl A. James, who led the first major renovation and encouraged members to honor past family members by purchasing shrubbery in their memory. The church also served the community through operating a day care center and hosting Project Head Start when organizers launched the program in 1965.

Rev. Willie B. Johnson later led the second major renovation, including the present interior design of St. Mary, completed in February 1995. Under his leadership, the church also purchased the lot across the street. Additional improvements were made under Rev. Robert Shadrack Boyd and Rev. Cynthia Harris, including demolition of the dilapidated parsonage.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring St. Mary African Methodist Episcopal Church for more than one hundred years of worship, service, leadership, and resilience within the Shreveport community. Sustained by faith and strengthened by generations of dedicated members, St. Mary continues its mission of glorifying God and doing good for Shreveport as it enters its second century of ministry.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend and recognize Praise Temple Full Gospel Baptist Cathedral of Shreveport, Louisiana--an extraordinary ministry that has stood as a beacon of spiritual vitality, community service, and transformative leadership for more than thirty years. Founded on March 24, 1992, when Rev. Larry L. Brandon and six dedicated believers organized what was then Praise Temple Missionary Baptist Church, the congregation began humbly with prayer services and Bible study in a private home in Bossier City. These small gatherings reflected a deep hunger for spiritual fellowship and a shared belief that God was preparing them for a greater work.

On April 19, 1992, the members held their first worship service at Midway Christian Church on Midway Avenue in Shreveport. As attendance flourished and the ministry quickly outgrew its space, the congregation moved through several temporary locations before finding a permanent home on Greenwood Road in 1996. This relocation marked a pivotal moment in the church's development, symbolizing both its growing membership and expanding vision for outreach in the Shreveport-Bossier community.

In May 1997, the church embraced a new identity as Praise Temple Full Gospel Baptist Church following its affiliation with the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship. This alignment brought renewed emphasis on spiritual empowerment, holistic ministry, and dynamic worship. As the ministry broadened in scope, the congregation later adopted the name Praise Temple Full Gospel Baptist Cathedral, reflecting its expanding regional influence and its increasing role as a spiritual center for thousands of believers.

Praise Temple has long been recognized not only for its powerful worship and preaching but also for its unwavering commitment to community service. The church played a critical role during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, mobilizing volunteers, sheltering displaced families, providing hot meals, clothing, transportation assistance, counseling, and financial support. lts response during these crises demonstrated the heart of its ministry--meeting people at their point of need and extending the love of Christ far beyond the sanctuary walls.

Under the leadership of Bishop L. Lawrence Brandon, who now serves as Senior Pastor and CEO, Praise Temple continues to grow in membership, ministry impact, and regional visibility. Bishop Brandon's visionary guidance

has expanded the church's outreach, strengthened its presence in the Shreveport-Bossier area, and nurtured a spiritually vibrant congregation committed to worship, discipleship, and service. Through community initiatives, media outreach, youth engagement, and missions, Praise Temple remains a powerful force for hope, healing, and transformation.

Mr. Speaker, Praise Temple Full Gospel Baptist Cathedral stands today as a testimony to what faith, perseverance, and dedicated leadership can accomplish. From a small prayer gathering in a living room to a thriving cathedral serving thousands, Praise Temple's story is a reminder of the remarkable things that happen when people follow God's call and serve their community with compassion. I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing this exceptional ministry and its enduring impact on the Shreveport-Bossier community and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Stoner Hill Baptist Church of Shreveport, Louisiana, an enduring institution of faith, fellowship, worship, and community service for more than a century. Established in 1914, the church traces its beginnings to a small prayer band that gathered in the home of Sister Anna Taylor under the spiritual leadership of Reverend Early Jones. From those humble gatherings emerged a congregation that became deeply rooted in the historic Stoner Hill community and has ministered to generations of families throughout Shreveport.

The church's origins reflect the strong tradition of faith and community that characterized many African American congregations in the early twentieth century. Without a permanent sanctuary or extensive resources, its earliest members gathered because of a shared commitment to prayer, worship, Christian fellowship, and spiritual growth. As more individuals and families joined, the group outgrew its original meeting place and relocated to Old Lindsey Hall. The growing number of members and baptisms showed that a small prayer gathering was becoming an established body of believers. The congregation then formally organized as Stoner Hill Baptist Church and called Reverend Early Jones as its first pastor, laying the spiritual and organizational foundation on which future generations would build.

From its earliest years, Stoner Hill Baptist Church has been closely connected to the community that shares its name. As the historic Stoner Hill neighborhood developed, the church became an important institution in the lives of residents and families, serving as a center for fellowship, Christian education, spiritual guidance, and service. Its role has extended well beyond Sunday worship, and its ministries and outreach have sought to respond to the spiritual and practical needs of people in the Stoner Hill neighborhood and throughout the greater Shreveport community.

Through the decades, successive generations of pastors, ministers, deacons, church officers, ministry leaders, musicians, educators, volunteers, and members have strengthened the congregation and expanded its ability to serve. As membership grew, the church expanded its ministries and facilities to meet the changing needs of children, young people, adults, senior citizens, and families. Christian education has remained central to its mission, with biblical teaching, Sunday school, and ministry activities helping members of all ages deepen their faith and preparing individuals for leadership in the church and the broader community. A strong commitment to evangelism has likewise carried forward the spirit of the believers who first gathered to share their faith.

For generations of families, Stoner Hill has been far more than a place of worship. It has been a spiritual home where children have been introduced to the faith, young people have received guidance and encouragement, adults have grown as leaders, and senior members have passed their wisdom and traditions to those who follow. Families have gathered there during some of life's most important moments and found support in times of difficulty. In this way, the church has carried forward the tradition of congregations that strengthen neighborhoods by providing leadership, stability, fellowship, mentorship, and opportunities for community engagement.

Today, Dr. Don DeCarlo Taylor serves as pastor of Stoner Hill Baptist Church, continuing the tradition of pastoral leadership that began with Reverend Early Jones more than a century ago. Under Dr. Taylor's leadership, the congregation continues to build on its historic foundation by advancing its ministries, strengthening Christian fellowship, promoting spiritual development, and serving the surrounding community, while honoring the sacrifices of those who established the church and preparing new generations for Christian leadership and service.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Stoner Hill Baptist Church and its congregation for more than 110 years of faith, perseverance, and service to the people of Shreveport. What began in 1914 as a prayer band in the home of Sister Anna Taylor stands as a powerful example of what a small group of committed believers can accomplish across generations. May Stoner Hill continue its mission of worship, Christian education, evangelism, fellowship, and community service for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Galilee Baptist Church of Shreveport, Louisiana, a historic institution of faith, community service, and African American leadership. Founded in 1877 by formerly enslaved African Americans, Galilee Baptist Church has served as a place of worship, fellowship, education, leadership development, and community advancement for nearly 150 years.

From its earliest days, Galilee Baptist Church provided its members and neighbors with a foundation for spiritual growth and collective progress. During a period when African Americans faced significant social, political, and economic barriers, the church became an essential institution where families could worship freely, organize, develop leaders, support one another, and pursue greater equality and opportunity.

Throughout its history, Galilee has remained committed to addressing both the spiritual and practical needs of the Shreveport community. Generations of pastors, ministers, deacons, ministry leaders, volunteers, and members have strengthened the congregation through their faith, perseverance, service, and dedication to improving the quality of life for those throughout Northwest Louisiana.

Galilee Baptist Church also holds an important place in the history of the Civil Rights Movement in Shreveport and across the region. During the struggle for voting rights, equal treatment, educational opportunity, economic justice, and an end to racial segregation, the church served as a center of faith-based civic engagement. The visits of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in 1958 and 1962 further demonstrate Galilee's significance within the broader movement for civil and human rights.

Another defining chapter began in 1959 with the pastoral leadership of Reverend Dr. E. Edward Jones, Sr. For more than five decades, Reverend Jones provided extraordinary spiritual, civic, and community leadership. His advocacy for civil rights, education, economic opportunity, housing, and community development reflected the historic role of African American churches as both houses of worship and institutions dedicated to social progress.

The development of ``Galilee City'' stands as a lasting example of this commitment to community advancement. Through initiatives connected to housing, economic development, education, and community empowerment, Galilee demonstrated that its ministry extended beyond the walls of the church and included tangible efforts to strengthen individuals, families, and neighborhoods.

In 2022, Galilee Baptist Church entered another important chapter when Reverend Craig B. Collier, Sr., was called to serve as the church's twelfth pastor. Under his leadership, the congregation continues to honor the foundation established by its founders and former leaders while advancing its ministry through worship, Christian discipleship, outreach, youth engagement, leadership development, community involvement, and service.

Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me in honoring Reverend Collier and the faithful congregation of Galilee Baptist Church for nearly 150 years of unwavering faith, courageous leadership, and dedicated service. Galilee's enduring legacy reflects the strength of generations who transformed faith into action, confronted injustice with courage, and helped build a stronger Shreveport community. May Galilee Baptist Church continue to serve as a beacon of hope, leadership, fellowship, and service for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lake Bethlehem Baptist Church of Shreveport, Louisiana, a historic institution of faith, spiritual growth, and community service. Established in 1868, Lake Bethlehem Baptist Church has served as a place of worship, fellowship, Christian education, and spiritual encouragement for more than 150 years.

Founded during the Reconstruction Era, Lake Bethlehem Baptist Church emerged during a significant period when African Americans were establishing independent religious institutions and strengthening their communities. Since its founding, the church has remained committed to providing individuals and families throughout Northwest Louisiana with opportunities for worship, fellowship, spiritual development, and service. Guided by its mission, ``A Helping Church for a Hurting World,'' the congregation has consistently emphasized faith, compassion, unity, and care for others.

Throughout its history; Lake Bethlehem Baptist Church has played an important role in the religious and social development of the Shreveport community. For more than a century and a half, the church has provided spiritual guidance, promoted Christian values, and encouraged community involvement through worship, religious education, and outreach initiatives. Its longstanding presence reflects the perseverance, dedication, and faith of generations of members who have worked to preserve its mission while responding to the changing needs of the community.

As a historic African American congregation, Lake Bethlehem Baptist Church represents an enduring legacy of religious independence, community leadership, and spiritual empowerment. Across changing social, economic, and cultural conditions, the congregation has remained dedicated to its foundational principles of faith, service, and Christian fellowship. Its continued emphasis on strengthening families, encouraging youth participation, and providing spiritual resources reflects a longstanding commitment to the overall well-being of the community.

Under the leadership of Reverend Dennis R. Everett, Sr., Lake Bethlehem Baptist Church has continued to strengthen its ministry and expand opportunities for spiritual growth and community engagement. The establishment of a satellite church has provided nontraditional worship opportunities and helped address the spiritual and practical needs of individuals and families. This expansion reflects the congregation's commitment to reaching people beyond traditional church settings and ensuring that its ministry remains accessible to those seeking encouragement, guidance, and support.

Through worship services, Christian education, prayer gatherings, and outreach efforts, Lake Bethlehem Baptist Church continues to promote spiritual development and meaningful connections within the community. The church's ability to preserve its historical identity while embracing new opportunities for ministry demonstrates the strength of its mission and the dedication of those who have carried its legacy forward.

Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me in honoring Reverend Everett and the faithful congregation of Lake Bethlehem Baptist Church for more than 150 years of Christian service, perseverance, and community involvement. Since its establishment in 1868, Lake Bethlehem Baptist Church has remained a meaningful part of Shreveport's religious heritage and a place of hope, encouragement, and spiritual enrichment. May Lake Bethlehem Baptist Church continue to serve as a helping church for a hurting world and inspire future generations through its enduring legacy of faith, unity, and service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mount Canaan Baptist Church of Shreveport, Louisiana, a historic institution of faith, fellowship, spiritual leadership, and community service. Established in 1894 by six members of Galilee Baptist Church, Mount Canaan has stood for more than 130 years as a cornerstone of the Allendale community and a spiritual home for generations of individuals and families.

From its humble beginnings, Mount Canaan Baptist Church was founded on the vision that families should have a place to gather for worship, grow in their relationship with God, and serve the surrounding community. As the church grew, it became one of Shreveport's longstanding religious institutions, providing stability, encouragement, spiritual guidance, and fellowship during periods of significant social, economic, and cultural change.

Throughout its history, Mount Canaan has remained deeply connected to the people of Allendale and the broader Shreveport community. Its ministry has extended beyond the walls of the sanctuary through Christian education, youth development, outreach, fellowship, and community service. In doing so, the church has demonstrated a lasting commitment to strengthening families, supporting those in need, developing young people, and promoting Christian values.

A defining chapter in the history of Mount Canaan began in 1966 with the pastoral leadership of Reverend Harry Blake. During his remarkable 52 years of service, Reverend Blake provided spiritual leadership during a period of growth and transformation for the congregation and the surrounding community. Under his guidance, Mount Canaan expanded its ministry, strengthened its presence in Shreveport, and continued building upon the foundation established by its early members.

One of the most significant milestones during Reverend Blake's tenure was the construction of Mount Canaan's current sanctuary at 1666 Alston Street. Completed in 1976, the sanctuary represented not only the physical growth of the congregation but also the faith, sacrifice, and dedication of its members. The continued development of the church's facilities and ministries enabled Mount Canaan to better serve the spiritual and community needs of its congregation.

For generations, Mount Canaan Baptist Church has served as more than a place of Sunday worship. It has been a spiritual home where children have been raised in the faith, families have celebrated important milestones, community members have gathered during times of joy and hardship, and individuals have found encouragement and guidance. Through its ministries and service, Mount Canaan has consistently demonstrated its commitment to ministering to the whole person and strengthening the community it calls home.

The legacy of Mount Canaan is reflected in the generations of pastors, ministers, church leaders, deacons, ministry workers, volunteers, families, and faithful members who have devoted their time, talents, and resources to advancing the mission of the church. Their collective service has allowed Mount Canaan to remain rooted in its history while continuing to respond to the changing needs of the community.

Today, under the leadership of Reverend Greg L. Oliver, Sr., Mount Canaan Baptist Church continues to build upon the strong foundation established more than a century ago. The congregation remains committed to worship, Christian discipleship, community engagement, youth development, fellowship, and service. While honoring the sacrifices and accomplishments of those who came before, Mount Canaan continues to look toward the future and seek new opportunities to positively impact individuals, families, and the broader Shreveport community.

Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me in honoring Reverend Oliver and the faithful congregation of Mount Canaan Baptist Church for more than 130 years of faith, perseverance, fellowship, and dedicated service. From six founding members in 1894 to the generations of worshippers who have called Mount Canaan their spiritual home, the church's history represents a remarkable legacy of commitment and endurance. May Mount Canaan Baptist Church continue to serve as a beacon of faith, hope, fellowship, and service for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Antioch Baptist Church of Shreveport, Louisiana, one of the city's oldest and most historically significant African American religious institutions. Established on April 23, 1866, only one year after the end of the Civil War, Antioch was born in a transformative moment, when formerly enslaved African Americans were building independent institutions in which they could worship freely, educate their families, develop leaders, and strengthen their communities. For 160 years, the church has remained a symbol of faith, perseverance, independence, leadership, and service in Shreveport.

The congregation traces its beginnings to 73 formerly enslaved Black members of First Baptist Church of Shreveport who were honorably dismissed for the purpose of establishing a church of their own. On April 23, 1866, these men and women organized what was first known as the First Colored Baptist Church of Shreveport. Their decision represented far more than the creation of another place of worship. It was an expression of freedom, self-determination, and institution- building by newly emancipated people working to define their place as free citizens. In an era when opportunities for Black citizens remained severely restricted, the church became a center not only of worship and prayer but also of education, fellowship, civic engagement, leadership development, and mutual assistance.

In 1871, the congregation adopted the name Antioch Baptist Church, a name that would become permanently associated with African American religious life and community leadership in Shreveport. Antioch's ministry extended well beyond its own membership. Churches including Avenue Baptist, Evergreen Baptist, Trinity Baptist, and Union Mission Baptist developed from Antioch's ministry and congregational legacy, and for this reason Antioch has often been recognized as the ``Mother Church'' of African American Baptist life in the city. Its influence reaches through those congregations and the countless families connected to them, forming a network of faith institutions embedded in neighborhoods throughout Shreveport.

As the congregation grew, its members sought a permanent house of worship that reflected the strength and aspirations of the church. The historic sanctuary, designed by Shreveport architect Nathaniel Sykes Allen and completed in 1903 in the Romanesque Revival style, stands as one of Antioch's most recognizable features. It was completed only 37 years after the church was founded by formerly enslaved men and women, a testament to the determination, sacrifice, and collective investment of the congregation. In 1982, Antioch Baptist Church was added to the National Register of Historic Places, formally recognizing the church not only as a religious institution but as a historic resource worthy of

preservation and an important part of Shreveport's architectural, cultural, and African American heritage.

Across generations, Antioch has been a spiritual home where children have been introduced to the faith, families have celebrated baptisms and marriages, and members have gathered to honor loved ones. Through biblical instruction, Sunday school, and ministry activities, the congregation has passed its faith and traditions from one generation to the next, developing ministers, church leaders, educators, and civic participants whose influence has extended beyond the church. Its longevity is a tribute to the pastors, ministers, deacons, trustees, officers, musicians, volunteers, and families who have sustained the congregation since 1866 through Reconstruction, segregation, two world wars, the Great Depression, the Civil Rights era, and the many changes of the modern era. Like other historic African American churches, Antioch has stood as a pillar of community advancement in times when Black citizens were excluded from many public institutions.

A new chapter began in 2017 when Reverend Bruce C. Carroll, Sr. was elected pastor. Under his leadership, Antioch continues its tradition of worship, Christian ministry, fellowship, and community engagement while preserving and celebrating its extraordinary legacy. Today, Antioch is both an active congregation and a historic landmark, a living institution in which new generations worship in a church founded by men and women born into slavery.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Antioch Baptist Church and its congregation on 160 years of faith, freedom, and service to the people of Shreveport. From the 73 founding members who organized in 1866 to the congregation that worships there today, Antioch stands as a lasting testament to what generations of committed people can accomplish through faith, sacrifice, leadership, and service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Calvary Missionary Baptist Church of Shreveport, Louisiana, which was established on February 22, 1948. For nearly 80 years, Calvary has been a ministry dedicated to faith, worship, and service, and a steady source of spiritual guidance and fellowship for the people of Shreveport. Its story is woven into the story of the city's faith community, and it stands as a reminder of what a congregation can mean to the place it calls home.

Over the decades, Calvary has served generations of residents and maintained a strong presence in the surrounding community. For many families, the church has been the place where faith was taught, where milestones were celebrated, and where neighbors gathered for worship and fellowship. That continuity has made Calvary more than a building on a street. It has been a spiritual home that has helped hold the community together across changing times.

Calvary has also played an important role in the life of Shreveport through worship, prayer, outreach, and efforts to support residents in times of need. Its ministry reflects a commitment to strengthening families, encouraging faith, and addressing the needs of the broader Shreveport community. A church that serves in this way meets people where they are and shows, through service, that faith is meant to be lived out in the community as well as in the sanctuary.

Public records document the church's long history of community engagement, including its annual citywide Prayer Vigil. The vigil brought together church members and community leaders to pray for educators, elected officials, law enforcement, and the nation. By lifting up the people who teach our children, serve in public office, and keep our communities safe, Calvary used its voice to unite the

faith community of Shreveport and showed that a church's prayers can reach well beyond its own walls.

The church is associated with Dr. Joe Rascoe Gant, Jr., who served as its pastor for more than four decades and was recognized by the City of Shreveport for his service to the church and community. Pastoral leadership sustained over so many years gives a congregation continuity and direction. It is a mark of the faithfulness and commitment to service that have defined Calvary's ministry and its place among the churches of Shreveport.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Little Union Baptist Church of Shreveport, Louisiana, which was established in 1892 with an original congregation of sixteen faithful members. For more than 130 years, the church has served as a cornerstone of faith, spiritual growth, community service, and social justice. Throughout its history, Little Union has strengthened the African American community of Shreveport and has given generations of families in Northwest Louisiana a place of worship, fellowship, leadership, and empowerment.

The church holds a particularly important place in the history of the Civil Rights Movement. Under the leadership of Reverend Claude Clifford McLain, who served as pastor for 32 years, Little Union became a prominent gathering place for civil rights advocacy and community organizing. The church hosted mass meetings for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the Congress of Racial Equality, supported voter registration initiatives, and provided a meeting place for individuals working to advance racial equality and voting rights.

Little Union also served as a headquarters for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and welcomed prominent civil rights leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In an era when Black citizens were too often denied the ballot and equal treatment under the law, the church opened its doors to those who were organizing, planning, and standing up for justice. These contributions established Little Union Baptist Church as an important institution in the struggle for justice and equal opportunity throughout the region.

The church's legacy also includes connections to influential individuals in American civil rights history. The father of renowned attorney Johnnie Cochran, Jr. served as a deacon at Little Union Baptist Church, further reflecting the congregation's longstanding ties to leadership, advocacy, and public service. In recognition of its contributions to the Civil Rights Movement, Little Union Baptist Church has been designated as a site on the Louisiana Civil Rights Trail, preserving its historical significance for future generations.

Today, Little Union Baptist Church continues its mission of faith, service, and community engagement under the leadership of Pastor C.E. McLain. The congregation remains committed to Christian education, youth development, spiritual enrichment, and outreach initiatives that support individuals and families throughout the Shreveport community. The church is also undertaking efforts to restore and preserve its historic sanctuary, ensuring that its architectural heritage and its contributions to civil rights history remain protected.

As one of Shreveport's historic African American congregations, Little Union Baptist Church continues to honor its rich legacy while serving as a place of hope, unity, and spiritual guidance for future generations. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Little Union Baptist Church and its congregation for more than 130 years of faith, service, and the pursuit of justice. May Little Union continue to inspire and serve the people of Shreveport for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor St. Mary Baptist Church of Shreveport, Louisiana, an enduring institution of Christian faith, worship, fellowship, education, and community service for more than 125 years. Organized on July 30, 1899, the church grew from the faith and determination of a small group of believers who wanted a permanent congregation where individuals and families could worship together, grow spiritually, and serve their community.

St. Mary was organized through the efforts of Reverend R. Lowe, J.W. Wells, John Kennedy, Sister Tena Ferguson, Sister Betsy Williams, and Sister Erna Ferguson. Their vision came in the closing years of the nineteenth century, when churches played an especially important role in the religious, educational, social, and community life of African Americans throughout the South. Before there was a sanctuary, the earliest members gathered for prayer meetings in one another's homes, showing that the strength of the congregation lay not in a building but in the shared faith and commitment of its people.

As participation grew, the congregation established a ``brush harbor'' for worship, a simple and often temporary structure that gave believers a place to gather before a permanent church could be built. The congregation later moved into a frame building, and continued growth ultimately led to the present church structure. From private homes, to the brush harbor, to a frame church, and finally to a permanent sanctuary, each stage reflects the sacrifice and accomplishment of successive generations of members.

Throughout its history, St. Mary has made worship the foundation of congregational life, offering preaching, prayer, music, biblical teaching, and Christian fellowship. Through Sunday school, Bible teaching, and ministry activities, the church has equipped members to understand Scripture and has passed its faith, history, and traditions from one generation to the next. For many families, St. Mary has been far more than a place attended on Sunday mornings. It has been a spiritual home where generations have celebrated baptisms, marriages, anniversaries, and educational achievements, and where members have found comfort, prayer, and fellowship in times of illness, grief, and hardship.

The church's longevity is closely tied to its pastoral leadership. One of the most significant chapters began in 1967 with Reverend Richard Hardy Jr., who served for 47 years and provided spiritual guidance to multiple generations of members as the congregation and community experienced profound social, cultural, and economic change. In 2014, Reverend Hardy retired and was recognized as Pastor Emeritus. In December 2015, Reverend Melvin R. Bates, Sr. was called as Senior Pastor, becoming the tenth pastor of St. Mary Baptist Church. Under his leadership, the church continues to emphasize spiritual growth, discipleship, worship, education, fellowship, and service while reaching individuals and families in a changing community.

Today, St. Mary's ministries serve people at every stage of life, including ministries for youth, men, women, music, education, transportation, and community fellowship. The youth ministry helps prepare a new generation to carry forward the church's faith and traditions, while the transportation ministry shows how practical service can remove barriers to participation in worship. Through fellowship and outreach, the church builds relationships, strengthens families, and contributes positively to the broader Shreveport community. Its stated goal of ``knowing Jesus and making Him known'' summarizes a mission of personal spiritual growth and of carrying the faith into the community through service, compassion, and outreach.

St. Mary's endurance is a tribute to the generations of pastors, ministers, deacons, trustees, officers, teachers, musicians, ministry leaders, volunteers, families, and members who have sustained it. The congregation has ministered through the turn of the twentieth

century, two world wars, the Great Depression, the Civil Rights era, and major transformations in Shreveport, and in every era it has remained a place for worship, prayer, education, fellowship, and service. What began with prayer meetings among a small group of believers has become an enduring congregation that has served generations of families throughout the city.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring St. Mary Baptist Church and its congregation for more than 125 years of faith, perseverance, and service to the people of Shreveport. May St. Mary continue its mission of knowing Jesus and making Him known for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church of Shreveport, Louisiana, an institution whose history reflects nearly a century of faith, fellowship, and dedicated service to the community. Founded in 1929 as a Sunday school that met from house to house, Morning Star soon grew into a formal congregation following a revival led by its first pastor, Reverend O.C. Johnny. From its earliest days, the church established itself as a steadfast source of worship, guidance, and community for families across Shreveport.

In 1953, Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church was officially incorporated, marking an important step in its development and long- term presence in the community. The congregation continued to grow and, in 1968, relocated to its current area after purchasing the former Emmanuel Baptist Church property. This move enabled Morning Star to expand its ministries, broaden its outreach, and strengthen its role as a spiritual foundation for its members and surrounding neighborhoods.

Throughout its history, the church has remained deeply committed to serving the broader Shreveport area through ministries focused on education, youth development, senior care, family support, social services, and community outreach. These initiatives reflect Morning Star's enduring mission: to nurture individuals and families while meeting the evolving needs of the community. Its work stands as a testament to the church's dedication to faith in action.

Today, under the leadership of Dr. Theron J. Jackson, Morning Star continues to flourish. Dr. Jackson has guided the congregation in expanding its ministries and deepening its commitment to community service, building upon the foundation laid by generations before him. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church for its longstanding legacy of faithful service and in wishing its pastor and congregation continued blessings in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Zion Baptist Church, located in Shreveport, Louisiana. Zion Baptist Church was established in 1937 and has served the Shreveport community for nearly nine decades as a place of Christian worship, fellowship, spiritual growth, and community service. Throughout its history, the church has remained committed to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and providing spiritual guidance to generations of individuals and families.

Since its establishment, Zion Baptist Church has developed a rich history rooted in the Baptist faith and the traditions of the African American church. Throughout changing times in Shreveport and the surrounding community, Zion Baptist Church has continued to provide a place where members can worship, strengthen their faith, develop meaningful relationships, and serve others. The church's longevity reflects the dedication of generations of members and leaders who have worked to preserve its ministry and ensure that it remains an important part of the community.

An important part of Zion Baptist Church's history has been its strong tradition of worship and gospel music. Music has played a meaningful role in the life of the congregation, complementing the church's ministries of preaching, Christian education, fellowship, and service. Through these ministries, Zion Baptist

Church has sought to strengthen both the spiritual lives of its members and its connection to the broader Shreveport community.

For more than six decades, Zion Baptist Church has been led by Dr. Brady L. Blade Sr., who began serving as pastor in 1961. His longstanding tenure represents a significant period in the history of the congregation and has provided continuity in the church's ministry across multiple generations. Under his pastoral leadership, Zion Baptist Church has continued its commitment to Christian teaching, worship, music, fellowship, and service.

Today, Zion Baptist Church continues the mission that began with its establishment in 1937. After nearly 90 years of ministry, the church remains a longstanding institution within Shreveport's faith community, carrying forward a legacy built by generations of faithful members. Its history reflects an enduring commitment to faith, perseverance, service, and the spiritual development of the community it has called home for generations. I urge my colleagues to join me in acknowledging Zion Baptist Church for its dedication to service in spreading the word of God, and goodwill in the Shreveport community.