HONORING PROGRESSIVE BAPTIST CHURCH

On 2026-10-15, Representative Cleo Fields (D-LA-6) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING PROGRESSIVE BAPTIST CHURCH" in the House.

HONORING PROGRESSIVE BAPTIST CHURCH

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 161 (Thursday, October 15, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 161 (Thursday, October 15, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1088] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING PROGRESSIVE BAPTIST CHURCH ______ HON. CLEO FIELDS of louisiana in the house of representatives Thursday, October 15, 2026 Mr. FIELDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Progressive Baptist Church of Lafayette, Louisiana, a steadfast beacon of faith, hope, and community service located at 2001 East Simcoe Street. Founded in 1925 by Brothers and Sisters Warren Hall, W.O. Brian R. Anderson, and Henry Sias, Progressive Baptist Church has served generations of worshippers and community members with dedication and purpose. Shortly after its organization, Reverend A.C. Marshall was called to serve as the church's first pastor. He led a congregation of nine members, and a small, white-framed church was constructed in 1926, marking a new era of growth and stability. Progressive Baptist Church later became affiliated with the Seventh District Missionary Baptist Association, and Reverend Marshall faithfully served the congregation for 20 years. Following Reverend Marshall's tenure, Reverend Alex, Reverend J.J. Webster, Reverend E.D. Rideaux, Reverend C.R. Steward, and Reverend Freddie Banks served in succession, continuing the church's mission of spreading the Gospel and strengthening its ministry. Reverend Raymond Smith later became pastor and oversaw a period of remarkable growth and development, including the expansion and renovation of the church building in 1953, the purchase of property for future development, the construction of a fellowship hall, and the acquisition of land for a church cemetery. Following Reverend Smith's pastorate, Pastor Lloyd Joiner, Jr., was called to lead Progressive Baptist Church, ushering in an extraordinary era of growth, vision, and ministry. Under Pastor Joiner's dynamic leadership, the current sanctuary was constructed, and the church completed numerous renovations and improvements, including the Lloyd Joiner, Jr. Educational Building, which provides space for Christian education and ministries, as well as a daycare facility serving families in the community. Pastor Joiner's commitment to community engagement also led to the establishment of the Progressive Community Outreach Center. The center serves the congregation and the wider Lafayette community by hosting health screenings, a GED program, sports events, financial literacy classes, grief share meetings, a summer enrichment program, and a testing center--all with the mission of sharing the love and Word of God. Under Pastor Joiner's continued vision, United Theological Seminary and Bible College established an extension campus on the grounds of Progressive Baptist Church, training men and women from various Christian denominations for leadership within their churches, communities, and beyond. After 44 years of faithful service, Pastor Lloyd Joiner retired and now serves honorably as Pastor Emeritus. On October 15, 2023, Dr. Chad E. Nora was elected as the next pastor of Progressive Baptist Church. Since assuming leadership, Pastor Chad has emphasized three core focuses: strong biblical teaching; a loving, sincere church community; and caring, effective, and meaningful outreach. He has overseen multiple facility upgrades, modernized church operations through digital innovation, introduced new ministry initiatives, and established the church's official vision, mission, and slogan, reflecting a commitment to unity, purpose, tradition, and progress. In 2025, Progressive Baptist Church celebrated its centennial, honoring the vision, perseverance, and faith of generations past while looking forward with hope and purpose to the future. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Pastor Chad E. Nora and the faithful congregation of Progressive Baptist Church for a century of worship, ministry, Christian education, and community outreach. May Progressive Baptist Church continue to serve as a beacon of faith and hope for the people of Lafayette and beyond for generations to come. ____________________