HONORING MOUNT CANAAN BAPTIST CHURCH

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

HONORING MOUNT CANAAN 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 E1049] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING MOUNT CANAAN 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 Mount Canaan Baptist Church of Shreveport, Louisiana, a historic institution of faith, fellowship, spiritual leadership, and community service. Established in 1894 by six members of Galilee Baptist Church, Mount Canaan has stood for more than 130 years as a cornerstone of the Allendale community and a spiritual home for generations of individuals and families. From its humble beginnings, Mount Canaan Baptist Church was founded on the vision that families should have a place to gather for worship, grow in their relationship with God, and serve the surrounding community. As the church grew, it became one of Shreveport's longstanding religious institutions, providing stability, encouragement, spiritual guidance, and fellowship during periods of significant social, economic, and cultural change. Throughout its history, Mount Canaan has remained deeply connected to the people of Allendale and the broader Shreveport community. Its ministry has extended beyond the walls of the sanctuary through Christian education, youth development, outreach, fellowship, and community service. In doing so, the church has demonstrated a lasting commitment to strengthening families, supporting those in need, developing young people, and promoting Christian values. A defining chapter in the history of Mount Canaan began in 1966 with the pastoral leadership of Reverend Harry Blake. During his remarkable 52 years of service, Reverend Blake provided spiritual leadership during a period of growth and transformation for the congregation and the surrounding community. Under his guidance, Mount Canaan expanded its ministry, strengthened its presence in Shreveport, and continued building upon the foundation established by its early members. One of the most significant milestones during Reverend Blake's tenure was the construction of Mount Canaan's current sanctuary at 1666 Alston Street. Completed in 1976, the sanctuary represented not only the physical growth of the congregation but also the faith, sacrifice, and dedication of its members. The continued development of the church's facilities and ministries enabled Mount Canaan to better serve the spiritual and community needs of its congregation. For generations, Mount Canaan Baptist Church has served as more than a place of Sunday worship. It has been a spiritual home where children have been raised in the faith, families have celebrated important milestones, community members have gathered during times of joy and hardship, and individuals have found encouragement and guidance. Through its ministries and service, Mount Canaan has consistently demonstrated its commitment to ministering to the whole person and strengthening the community it calls home. The legacy of Mount Canaan is reflected in the generations of pastors, ministers, church leaders, deacons, ministry workers, volunteers, families, and faithful members who have devoted their time, talents, and resources to advancing the mission of the church. Their collective service has allowed Mount Canaan to remain rooted in its history while continuing to respond to the changing needs of the community. Today, under the leadership of Reverend Greg L. Oliver, Sr., Mount Canaan Baptist Church continues to build upon the strong foundation established more than a century ago. The congregation remains committed to worship, Christian discipleship, community engagement, youth development, fellowship, and service. While honoring the sacrifices and accomplishments of those who came before, Mount Canaan continues to look toward the future and seek new opportunities to positively impact individuals, families, and the broader Shreveport community. Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me in honoring Reverend Oliver and the faithful congregation of Mount Canaan Baptist Church for more than 130 years of faith, perseverance, fellowship, and dedicated service. From six founding members in 1894 to the generations of worshippers who have called Mount Canaan their spiritual home, the church's history represents a remarkable legacy of commitment and endurance. May Mount Canaan Baptist Church continue to serve as a beacon of faith, hope, fellowship, and service for generations to come. ____________________