HONORING PILGRIM MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

On 2026-10-06, Representative Cleo Fields (D-LA-6) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING PILGRIM MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH" in the House.

HONORING PILGRIM MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 158 (Tuesday, October 6, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 158 (Tuesday, October 6, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E1043-E1044] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING PILGRIM MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH ______ HON. CLEO FIELDS of louisiana in the house of representatives Tuesday, October 6, 2026 Mr. FIELDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church of Alexandria, Louisiana, affectionately known throughout Alexandria and the surrounding region as ``The Friendly Church.'' Since its founding in 1955, Pilgrim has served as a pillar of faith, fellowship, and community. Located at 410 Solomon Street in the heart of Alexandria, the church has long stood as a spiritual anchor for families seeking a Christ-centered place of worship rooted in the African American Baptist tradition. Today, the church is led by Pastor Tom Hamilton, Jr. The legacy of Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church is closely tied to the ministry of Rev. Tom Hamilton, whose pastoral journey began in 1987. Before shepherding the Pilgrim congregation, he ministered at New Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Colfax for 13 years and at Sunlight Baptist Church in Pineville for 7 years. His strong biblical teaching, compassionate leadership, and heart for service played a central role in strengthening the church's foundation, and under pastoral guidance Pilgrim has grown spiritually and numerically, building a strong tradition of worship, discipleship, and community presence. Throughout its history, Pilgrim has committed itself to fostering spiritual formation and community engagement. The church's mission, to build disciples, nurture relationships, and extend the love of Christ through service, has shaped every aspect of its ministry. Through weekly worship services, Bible studies, prayer gatherings, and community programs, Pilgrim gives its members opportunities to deepen their faith while also serving the broader Alexandria community. Its outreach efforts, including annual back-to-school supply drives and various youth initiatives, reflect its belief that ministry extends beyond the sanctuary and into the neighborhoods it serves. That history of service is at the heart of Pilgrim's identity. For more than 70 years, the church has been a place where families find a warm welcome, where young people are encouraged and supported, and where neighbors know they can turn for prayer and help. Supplying school materials to children preparing for a new school year, and investing in the lives of youth, are expressions of a congregation that understands its calling to lift up the community around it, and they are the reason Pilgrim has earned its reputation as a community- centered church. The impact of Pilgrim extends well beyond its own membership. As a longstanding congregation in Alexandria, rooted in the African American Baptist tradition, it contributes to the strength of the broader faith community, standing alongside other churches in the shared work of nurturing faith, supporting families, and serving those in need. Its longstanding engagement in civic life and its dedication to uplifting families and supporting youth make it a beacon of hope in Alexandria and a model of what a welcoming, service-minded congregation can be. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring Pilgrim Missionary Baptist [[Page E1044]] Church, Pastor Tom Hamilton, Jr., and the dedicated congregation for more than 70 years of faith, fellowship, and service to the Alexandria community. May Pilgrim continue forward in its ministry, rooted in faith and guided by tradition, for generations to come.