HONORING STONER HILL BAPTIST CHURCH

On 2026-10-13, Representative Cleo Fields (D-LA-6) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING STONER HILL BAPTIST CHURCH" in the House.

HONORING STONER HILL BAPTIST CHURCH

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 160 (Tuesday, October 13, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 160 (Tuesday, October 13, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1078] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING STONER HILL BAPTIST CHURCH ______ HON. CLEO FIELDS of louisiana in the house of representatives Tuesday, October 13, 2026 Mr. FIELDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Stoner Hill Baptist Church of Shreveport, Louisiana, an enduring institution of faith, fellowship, worship, and community service for more than a century. Established in 1914, the church traces its beginnings to a small prayer band that gathered in the home of Sister Anna Taylor under the spiritual leadership of Reverend Early Jones. From those humble gatherings emerged a congregation that became deeply rooted in the historic Stoner Hill community and has ministered to generations of families throughout Shreveport. The church's origins reflect the strong tradition of faith and community that characterized many African American congregations in the early twentieth century. Without a permanent sanctuary or extensive resources, its earliest members gathered because of a shared commitment to prayer, worship, Christian fellowship, and spiritual growth. As more individuals and families joined, the group outgrew its original meeting place and relocated to Old Lindsey Hall. The growing number of members and baptisms showed that a small prayer gathering was becoming an established body of believers. The congregation then formally organized as Stoner Hill Baptist Church and called Reverend Early Jones as its first pastor, laying the spiritual and organizational foundation on which future generations would build. From its earliest years, Stoner Hill Baptist Church has been closely connected to the community that shares its name. As the historic Stoner Hill neighborhood developed, the church became an important institution in the lives of residents and families, serving as a center for fellowship, Christian education, spiritual guidance, and service. Its role has extended well beyond Sunday worship, and its ministries and outreach have sought to respond to the spiritual and practical needs of people in the Stoner Hill neighborhood and throughout the greater Shreveport community. Through the decades, successive generations of pastors, ministers, deacons, church officers, ministry leaders, musicians, educators, volunteers, and members have strengthened the congregation and expanded its ability to serve. As membership grew, the church expanded its ministries and facilities to meet the changing needs of children, young people, adults, senior citizens, and families. Christian education has remained central to its mission, with biblical teaching, Sunday school, and ministry activities helping members of all ages deepen their faith and preparing individuals for leadership in the church and the broader community. A strong commitment to evangelism has likewise carried forward the spirit of the believers who first gathered to share their faith. For generations of families, Stoner Hill has been far more than a place of worship. It has been a spiritual home where children have been introduced to the faith, young people have received guidance and encouragement, adults have grown as leaders, and senior members have passed their wisdom and traditions to those who follow. Families have gathered there during some of life's most important moments and found support in times of difficulty. In this way, the church has carried forward the tradition of congregations that strengthen neighborhoods by providing leadership, stability, fellowship, mentorship, and opportunities for community engagement. Today, Dr. Don DeCarlo Taylor serves as pastor of Stoner Hill Baptist Church, continuing the tradition of pastoral leadership that began with Reverend Early Jones more than a century ago. Under Dr. Taylor's leadership, the congregation continues to build on its historic foundation by advancing its ministries, strengthening Christian fellowship, promoting spiritual development, and serving the surrounding community, while honoring the sacrifices of those who established the church and preparing new generations for Christian leadership and service. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Stoner Hill Baptist Church and its congregation for more than 110 years of faith, perseverance, and service to the people of Shreveport. What began in 1914 as a prayer band in the home of Sister Anna Taylor stands as a powerful example of what a small group of committed believers can accomplish across generations. May Stoner Hill continue its mission of worship, Christian education, evangelism, fellowship, and community service for years to come. ____________________