HONORING PLEASANT HILL BAPTIST CHURCH

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

HONORING PLEASANT HILL 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] [Pages E1073-E1074] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING PLEASANT HILL BAPTIST CHURCH ______ HON. CLEO FIELDS of louisiana in the house of representatives Tuesday, October 13, 2026 Mr. FIELDS. 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 [[Page E1074]] 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. ____________________