Floor SpeechNeutral2026-10-13

HONORING PRAISE TEMPLE FULL GOSPEL BAPTIST CATHEDRAL

TaxesEnvironment

Context

On 2026-10-13, Representative Cleo Fields (D-LA-6) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING PRAISE TEMPLE FULL GOSPEL BAPTIST CATHEDRAL" in the House.

Full Text

HONORING PRAISE TEMPLE FULL GOSPEL BAPTIST CATHEDRAL

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 160 (Tuesday, October 13, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 160 (Tuesday, October 13, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E1076-E1077] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING PRAISE TEMPLE FULL GOSPEL BAPTIST CATHEDRAL ______ HON. CLEO FIELDS of louisiana in the house of representatives Tuesday, October 13, 2026 Mr. FIELDS. 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 [[Page E1077]] 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. ____________________

View original source →

HONORING PRAISE TEMPLE FULL GOSPEL BAPTIST CATHEDRAL Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 160 (Tuesday, October 13, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 160 (Tuesday, October 13, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E1076-E1077] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING PRAISE TEMPLE FULL GOSPEL BAPTIST CATHEDRAL ______ HON. CLEO FIELDS of louisiana in the house of representatives Tuesday, October 13, 2026 Mr. FIELDS. 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 [[Page E1077]] 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. ____________________