Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-09-15

HONORING GREATER ST. JOHN BAPTIST CHURCH

Context

On 2026-09-15, Representative Cleo Fields (D-LA-6) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING GREATER ST. JOHN BAPTIST CHURCH" in the House.

Full Text

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 145 (Tuesday, September 15, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 145 (Tuesday, September 15, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E932-E933] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING GREATER ST. JOHN BAPTIST CHURCH ______ HON. CLEO FIELDS of louisiana in the house of representatives Tuesday, September 15, 2026 Mr. FIELDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Greater St. John Baptist Church, located at 307 E. Washington Street in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, a cornerstone of faith in East Baton Rouge Parish since its founding in 1917. Organized by approximately twenty baptized believers and led by the late Reverend Gideon T. Carter, the church began humbly in a small cottage on Howard Street, paying just three dollars per month in rent. By 1919, the congregation had moved to its current site, thanks to the dedication and financial support of Reverend Carter, and soon erected a permanent [[Page E933]] sanctuary through collective hard work and perseverance. Throughout its rich history, Greater St. John Baptist Church has been guided by devoted leaders, including the late Eddie Hunter, Sr., Venus Hunter, Sonnie Green, Monroe Edward, Fortune Tyson, Mary Galloway, and Nelson Minor. After Reverend Carter's passing in 1943, Reverend Frank R. Winder was elected pastor, diligently serving until 1985. Under his leadership, a new church building was constructed, further cementing the congregation's presence in the community. Subsequent pastors, Reverend Harry D. Horton, Sr., Reverend Larry Griffin, and Reverend Donald Ray Sterling, continued to lead the church in spiritual growth, outreach, and service. Today, under Pastor Sterling's leadership, the church has flourished, now boasting over 100 members and celebrating its 109th anniversary. Greater St. John Baptist Church stands as a testament to unwavering faith, resilience, and service, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that their labor is not in vain. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to commemorate this milestone anniversary and pray that Greater St. John remains strong and steadfast for generations to come, continuing to walk by faith beneath the cross. ____________________

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HONORING GREATER ST. JOHN BAPTIST CHURCH Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 145 (Tuesday, September 15, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 145 (Tuesday, September 15, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E932-E933] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING GREATER ST. JOHN BAPTIST CHURCH ______ HON. CLEO FIELDS of louisiana in the house of representatives Tuesday, September 15, 2026 Mr. FIELDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Greater St. John Baptist Church, located at 307 E. Washington Street in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, a cornerstone of faith in East Baton Rouge Parish since its founding in 1917. Organized by approximately twenty baptized believers and led by the late Reverend Gideon T. Carter, the church began humbly in a small cottage on Howard Street, paying just three dollars per month in rent. By 1919, the congregation had moved to its current site, thanks to the dedication and financial support of Reverend Carter, and soon erected a permanent [[Page E933]] sanctuary through collective hard work and perseverance. Throughout its rich history, Greater St. John Baptist Church has been guided by devoted leaders, including the late Eddie Hunter, Sr., Venus Hunter, Sonnie Green, Monroe Edward, Fortune Tyson, Mary Galloway, and Nelson Minor. After Reverend Carter's passing in 1943, Reverend Frank R. Winder was elected pastor, diligently serving until 1985. Under his leadership, a new church building was constructed, further cementing the congregation's presence in the community. Subsequent pastors, Reverend Harry D. Horton, Sr., Reverend Larry Griffin, and Reverend Donald Ray Sterling, continued to lead the church in spiritual growth, outreach, and service. Today, under Pastor Sterling's leadership, the church has flourished, now boasting over 100 members and celebrating its 109th anniversary. Greater St. John Baptist Church stands as a testament to unwavering faith, resilience, and service, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that their labor is not in vain. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to commemorate this milestone anniversary and pray that Greater St. John remains strong and steadfast for generations to come, continuing to walk by faith beneath the cross. ____________________