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Congressional Daily Record
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September 2, 2026
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Extensions of Remarks
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Download official Extensions PDFReturn to issue contextHON. CLEO FIELDS
of louisiana
in the house of representatives
Mr. FIELDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a distinguished church in my District, New Hope Baptist Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, as it approaches eight decades of worship, discipleship, and service to the Eden Park community and the greater Baton Rouge area.
hundred, was organized on North 46th Street on Sunday, September 28, 1947, under the leadership of the late Reverend J.S. Wicks, with approximately fifty members who ventured in faith to make an impact on the community and together secured governmental services and educational resources beneficial to Eden Park. New Hope grew numerically and spiritually with Church Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, evangelistic efforts, and the formation of the Adult Music Ministry, while musicals, culinary endeavors, and trips to beaches garnered funds to meet needs.
then, in the spirit of love, Dr. Leo Daniel Cyrus, Sr., was installed as the church's second pastor on the fourth Sunday, August 22, 1976. The first Children's Choir was formed, Bible study began, the usher ministries increased, and the deaconess ministry was organized.
numerical growth, and as a consequence of spirit-led sermons and worship experiences the North 46th Street sanctuary could no longer accommodate the increasing numbers. Pastor Cyrus and a Relocation Committee explored several sites before the majority selected a site on Greenwell Springs Road, where construction began in 1985 with relocation and dedication services held in 1988. The church later expanded its facilities with the Hope Center and continued its involvement in education, youth development, and community service.
In 2025, Reverend Samuel Calvin Lofton, Jr., was elected as the third pastor of New Hope Baptist Church, succeeding Dr. Cyrus, who became Pastor Emeritus after nearly forty-nine years of service, and today the membership continues to strive to keep the vision of the church and its longstanding mission of worship, fellowship, ministry, evangelism, discipleship, and service to the Baton Rouge community.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending New Hope Baptist Church for nearly eighty years of faithful service, and in wishing its pastor and congregation continued blessings in the years to come.