Floor SpeechNeutral2026-10-13

HONORING ST. JOHN BAPTIST CHURCH

Context

On 2026-10-13, Representative Cleo Fields (D-LA-6) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING ST. JOHN BAPTIST CHURCH" in the House.

Full Text

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 160 (Tuesday, October 13, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 160 (Tuesday, October 13, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1070] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING ST. JOHN BAPTIST CHURCH ______ HON. CLEO FIELDS of louisiana in the house of representatives Tuesday, October 13, 2026 Mr. FIELDS. 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. ____________________

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HONORING ST. JOHN BAPTIST CHURCH Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 160 (Tuesday, October 13, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 160 (Tuesday, October 13, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1070] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING ST. JOHN BAPTIST CHURCH ______ HON. CLEO FIELDS of louisiana in the house of representatives Tuesday, October 13, 2026 Mr. FIELDS. 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. ____________________