HONORING NEW HOME MINISTRIES

On 2026-10-05, Representative Cleo Fields (D-LA-6) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING NEW HOME MINISTRIES" in the House.

HONORING NEW HOME MINISTRIES

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 157 (Monday, October 5, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 157 (Monday, October 5, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1026] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING NEW HOME MINISTRIES ______ HON. CLEO FIELDS of louisiana in the house of representatives Monday, October 5, 2026 Mr. FIELDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor New Home Ministries, a congregation whose roots in New Orleans reach back more than a century and whose ministry today extends across Louisiana, including Baton Rouge. New Home Missionary Baptist Church was first established in 1918 in New Orleans, on the corner of Howard Avenue and South Robertson Streets, by a small group of followers led by the church's senior deacon. Rev. G.W. White was elected as the first pastor and served for several years, and he was succeeded by Rev. R.H. Royal, who was elected in 1924 and served for a short period. In 1925, Rev. Marshall Lewis, Sr., was elected pastor. During his leadership, in 1927, the church was incorporated with the State of Louisiana under the official name of New Home Missionary Baptist Church of New Orleans, and the congregation grew to more than 200 members. With the need to expand, the church moved from its original site to a larger location at 3140 Jackson Avenue. Rev. Lewis served until his death in 1946. Rev. Murphy Smith was elected pastor in 1947 and served until 1952, and during his tenure a new church building was constructed at the Jackson Avenue location. After the death of Rev. Smith, Rev. Freddie H. Dunn was elected pastor in 1953, a dynamic and influential leader throughout the New Orleans area. During his leadership, membership continued to grow, and a new church building on Jackson Avenue was dedicated in July 1962. In October 1964, Pastor Dunn resigned to become pastor of New Hope Baptist Church, and many members followed him, leaving behind only a committed few. Under the direction of the Louisiana Freedmen Association, the search for a new pastor began, and Rev. Willie Hausey, president of the Association, officiated over the church's operations and provided guidance during that time. After much prayer and deliberation, a young man from Woodville, Mississippi, Robert C. Blakes, was chosen as pastor. He was ordained and installed in January 1965 and began his pastorate with only 30 members. Facing many challenges, with only a handful of members and a lack of finances, he proved to be a man of faith who put his trust in God, and the church grew and prospered despite the many obstacles in its path. Under Prophet Robert C. Blakes, Sr., New Home Ministries has been a beacon of spiritual guidance in the greater New Orleans area for decades. The ministry has grown to more than 10,000 members and has expanded its reach to Baton Rouge, Hammond, Algiers, and Houston, Texas. After the passing of Prophet Blakes, Sr., his sons, Bishop R.C. Blakes, Jr., and Bishop Samuel R. Blakes, took up the mantle and have continued to lead New Home Ministries in its mission of spreading the gospel and empowering believers. Bishop Samuel Raymond Blakes, the youngest son of Prophet Robert Charles Blakes, Sr., and Lady Lois R. Blakes, was called by God at a very young age and has been preaching the Word of God ever since. He has served as Senior Pastor of New Home Family Worship Center in New Orleans since 1995 and in Baton Rouge since 2008, and under his leadership the church has grown from just 14 members to a thriving congregation of thousands. From a small group of followers gathered on a New Orleans street corner in 1918, to a ministry of thousands that has carried its message across Louisiana and beyond, New Home's story is one of faith, resilience, and growth. Its presence in Baton Rouge since 2008 has added to the strength of our faith community. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating New Home Ministries. Bishop Samuel R. Blakes, Bishop R.C. Blakes, Jr., and the dedicated congregation for more than a century of faith and service to the people of Louisiana. May New Home Ministries continue to be a beacon of spiritual guidance for generations to come. ____________________