CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF FRIENDSHIP-WEST BAPTIST CHURCH

On 2026-06-09, Representative Jasmine Crockett (D-TX-30) delivered a floor speech titled "CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF FRIENDSHIP-WEST BAPTIST CHURCH" in the House.

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF FRIENDSHIP-WEST BAPTIST CHURCH

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 97 (Tuesday, June 9, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 97 (Tuesday, June 9, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E550-E551] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF FRIENDSHIP-WEST BAPTIST CHURCH ______ HON. JASMINE CROCKETT of texas in the house of representatives Tuesday, June 9, 2026 Ms. CROCKETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary institution in Texas' 30th Congressional District, Friendship-West Baptist Church, as it celebrates 50 years of faithful service, transformative ministry, and community leadership. This recognition is especially meaningful to me because Friendship-West is not only a pillar of our community--it is also my home church. Founded on June 13, 1976, by the late Reverend Robert L. Castle, Ill with just nine worshippers gathering at the Mary Lois Sweatt School of Dance on Liberty Lane, Friendship-West has grown into one of the most influential faith institutions in North Texas. For five decades, the church has served as a beacon of faith, justice, and empowerment, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to both spiritual growth and community transformation. Under the leadership of Reverend Castle and now Rev. Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, III, Friendship-West earned national recognition for its commitment to prophetic ministry, social justice, educational advancement, economic empowerment, and civic engagement. For more than forty years, Dr. Haynes led the congregation with vision, courage, and compassion, establishing Friendship-West as a leading voice on issues of faith, justice, and community empowerment: His ministry challenged people to connect faith with action and inspired generations to pursue lives rooted in service, dignity, and hope. Friendship-West has touched countless lives through worship, discipleship, youth development programs, community partnerships, [[Page E551]] scholarship initiatives, and advocacy efforts that address the needs of underserved communities. The church has also been a leader in confronting critical challenges facing the Dallas community. Through initiatives such as the Annual MLK Teach-In and the Food Justice Initiative, Friendship-West has promoted education, civic engagement, food access, and sustainability while empowering residents to become agents of change in their own communities. In 2014, the Church expanded its impact by acquiring a credit union and creating pathways to financial opportunity for individuals and families often overlooked by traditional lending institutions. By providing access to responsible financial services and small-dollar loans, Friendship-West helped create opportunities for economic mobility and stability for members of the surrounding community. The Church's ministry extends beyond Dallas. In 2003, Friendship-West formally adopted Emmanuel Baptist Church in Harare, Zimbabwe, helping support the construction of a worship auditorium, daycare center, and educational facilities. This partnership reflects the church's longstanding commitment to service both locally and globally. For fifty years, Friendship-West has strengthened families, developed leaders, uplifted communities, and inspired generations to live lives of faith and service. Its legacy is reflected not only in the lives of its members but throughout Dallas, Texas' 30th Congressional District, and beyond. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize Friendship-West Baptist Church as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. I congratulate its clergy, leadership, and congregation on this remarkable milestone and thank them for their enduring contributions to our community. I wish them continued success and abundant blessings in the years ahead. ____________________