HONORING HOLLY GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

On 2026-10-05, Representative Cleo Fields (D-LA-6) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING HOLLY GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH" in the House.

HONORING HOLLY GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 157 (Monday, October 5, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 157 (Monday, October 5, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E1019-E1020] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING HOLLY GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH ______ HON. CLEO FIELDS of louisiana in the house of representatives Monday, October 5, 2026 Mr. FIELDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Holly Grove Baptist Church of Zachary, Louisiana, a congregation built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Jesus Christ as the chief cornerstone. Each year, the church pays tribute to God the Father, the head of the church, and to the many men and women who laid its foundation, sustained it, and continue to ensure that it thrives as a community of believers. Holly Grove was founded in 1896 by brothers Isaac Square, Sr. and Jacob Franklin, who traveled from Alabama to Louisiana. The church was named Holly Grove by Josephine Square Burks, Martha Square, and George Youngblood because of the holly trees on the property, and the original building stood to the left of the current structure, where a parking area is today. Rev. Isaac Square, Sr. served as the first pastor and set the example for those who followed. The Square family legacy continued with Rev. Isaac Square, Jr.. followed by Rev. Mark Smith. Rev. Verge Hayes, Rev. Prince Williams, and Rev. Henry Odell, who together served the church from 1896 to 1932 ensuring its stability and growth during its formative years. Many members today are direct descendants of these founding leaders. In those early years, the church held services twice a month, with Communion on first Sundays. Fourth Sundays were set aside for [[Page E1020]] ``Speak Meetings,'' where members shared their testimonies, offering opportunities for spiritual reflection and mutual encouragement. Summer revivals were central to church life, renewing faith and reaching out to the surrounding community, and baptisms were held in the nearby Comite River. Holly Grove also has the distinction of having once been a school: documents indicate that the property next to the present building was donated on January 4, 1913, for use as ``a public school for colored children.'' From 1932 to 1971, Rev. Robert Tate, Jr. served as pastor for nearly 40 years, and under his leadership, with the support of church leaders and congregants, funds were raised to build the current church. He was followed by Rev. Pompey Square, the great-great-grandson of Isaac Square, Sr., who served from 1972 to 1982, a testament to a seed planted by a founder generations earlier. Rev. Lorenzo Neff, affectionately known as ``Rev. Nute,'' served from 1984 to 1986, and his brother, Rev. Robert Groce, followed in January 1987 and served until his passing in March 2006. During his tenure, Rev. Groce baptized many middle-aged members, organized the ``Next Generation'' Youth Choir, formed the Male Choir, expanded services to the second and third Sundays, initiated twice-monthly Communion and Speak Meetings, and led the church's first building projects, including the original fellowship hall. He also recognized the need to train younger deacons, including Wesley Green III, Marque Square, Marcus Square, and Robert Brown, though he passed before they were installed. Rev. William Barrow then served as pastor from January 2007 to January 2008. On February 24, 2008, Rev. Sam Williams, Jr. was elected pastor, and he was installed on April 27, 2008, as the youngest pastor Holly Grove had ever had. Focused on the vision of ``Becoming a Healthy Church,'' with an emphasis on discipleship, evangelism, worship, fellowship, and ministry, he added a fifth Sunday service and the Women of Virtue Choir and renamed the Youth Choir ``Joyful Noise.'' The sanctuary was renovated twice, first in December 2013, with services resuming in March 2014. When the church flooded in 2016, the congregation continued to worship in the fellowship hall until returning to the sanctuary in April 2017. During the church's 120th anniversary, a successful banquet was coordinated by Sister Vikki Wicker and Sister Lawanna Green. Rev. Williams also introduced interactive youth services on third Sundays and baptized seven young members on March 20, 2022. Throughout the pandemic, the church expanded its fellowship hall and held Sunday school and worship virtually. Rev. Williams served his last Communion on August 7, 2022, and Rev. Perry Jones served from August 2022 to August 2023. On May 12, 2024, Holly Grove elected Eric Patterson as its pastor, and he was installed on June 29, 2024. During his first year, Angie Jones and Barbara Neff were installed as deaconesses, and he has expanded the church's engagement through social media and digital giving. Holly Grove has been blessed with congregants who understand the importance of serving, from the ushers who welcome worshipers and help maintain order, to the choir and musicians who lead the congregation in worship each Sunday. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Holly Grove Baptist Church, Pastor Eric Patterson, and the dedicated congregation for 130 years of faith, perseverance, and service. May Holly Grove continue to stand on the cornerstone of Jesus Christ for generations to come. ____________________