HONORING GALILEE BAPTIST CHURCH

On 2026-10-09, Representative Cleo Fields (D-LA-6) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING GALILEE BAPTIST CHURCH" in the House.

HONORING GALILEE BAPTIST CHURCH

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 159 (Friday, October 9, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 159 (Friday, October 9, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1046] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING GALILEE BAPTIST CHURCH ______ HON. CLEO FIELDS of louisiana in the house of representatives Friday, October 9, 2026 Mr. FIELDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Galilee Baptist Church of Shreveport, Louisiana, a historic institution of faith, community service, and African American leadership. Founded in 1877 by formerly enslaved African Americans, Galilee Baptist Church has served as a place of worship, fellowship, education, leadership development, and community advancement for nearly 150 years. From its earliest days, Galilee Baptist Church provided its members and neighbors with a foundation for spiritual growth and collective progress. During a period when African Americans faced significant social, political, and economic barriers, the church became an essential institution where families could worship freely, organize, develop leaders, support one another, and pursue greater equality and opportunity. Throughout its history, Galilee has remained committed to addressing both the spiritual and practical needs of the Shreveport community. Generations of pastors, ministers, deacons, ministry leaders, volunteers, and members have strengthened the congregation through their faith, perseverance, service, and dedication to improving the quality of life for those throughout Northwest Louisiana. Galilee Baptist Church also holds an important place in the history of the Civil Rights Movement in Shreveport and across the region. During the struggle for voting rights, equal treatment, educational opportunity, economic justice, and an end to racial segregation, the church served as a center of faith-based civic engagement. The visits of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in 1958 and 1962 further demonstrate Galilee's significance within the broader movement for civil and human rights. Another defining chapter began in 1959 with the pastoral leadership of Reverend Dr. E. Edward Jones, Sr. For more than five decades, Reverend Jones provided extraordinary spiritual, civic, and community leadership. His advocacy for civil rights, education, economic opportunity, housing, and community development reflected the historic role of African American churches as both houses of worship and institutions dedicated to social progress. The development of ``Galilee City'' stands as a lasting example of this commitment to community advancement. Through initiatives connected to housing, economic development, education, and community empowerment, Galilee demonstrated that its ministry extended beyond the walls of the church and included tangible efforts to strengthen individuals, families, and neighborhoods. In 2022, Galilee Baptist Church entered another important chapter when Reverend Craig B. Collier, Sr., was called to serve as the church's twelfth pastor. Under his leadership, the congregation continues to honor the foundation established by its founders and former leaders while advancing its ministry through worship, Christian discipleship, outreach, youth engagement, leadership development, community involvement, and service. Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me in honoring Reverend Collier and the faithful congregation of Galilee Baptist Church for nearly 150 years of unwavering faith, courageous leadership, and dedicated service. Galilee's enduring legacy reflects the strength of generations who transformed faith into action, confronted injustice with courage, and helped build a stronger Shreveport community. May Galilee Baptist Church continue to serve as a beacon of hope, leadership, fellowship, and service for generations to come. ____________________