This is not an official government website.
© 2026 PLEJ LC. All rights reserved.
Congressional Daily Record
This section is a tribute, commemoration, or district-facing statement. It mentions members such as Cleo Fields. Extensions of Remarks are statements submitted for the official record, even if they were not spoken live on the floor.
Issued
September 2, 2026
house side of the record
People
1
Linked members mentioned in this section
Legislation
0
No linked legislation in this section
Committees
0
No linked committees in this section
Senate Holds
0
No hold activity linked here
Source Document
Connected Data
People mentioned
1 Helpful Term
Extensions of Remarks
Material lawmakers submit for the official record even when it was not spoken live on the floor.
Source Control
Reader mode is for comprehension. The linked government PDF is the official published source.
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 New Light Missionary Baptist Church of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, founded and organized in 1895 by the late Reverend Tony Scott—a sugar cane farmer, devoted husband to Cecily Scott, and father of nine children. Reverend Scott's vision for an institution of worship was realized on a tract of land in East Baton Rouge Parish, where, with the help of P.H. Handy, S.T. Davis, and H. Warner, a church building was erected. From this humble beginning, Reverend Scott carried out his calling to preach, teach, and lead God's people. A charter for New Light Missionary Baptist Church was established in 1935, reflecting the congregation's growth from a one- room wooden structure to a strong and faithful community.
its reconstruction on the east side of the railroad tracks on Crane Street in Scotlandville. Years later, the church moved to its present location on Blount Road. After Reverend Scott's passing in 1921, pastoral leadership continued under the late Rev. R.W. Ball and, beginning in 1923, Rev. J.P. Handy. In 1927, after fervent prayer and consultation led by Sister Cicely Scott, Reverend Noah C. Chinn was elected pastor. Under his divinely inspired leadership, the church was rebuilt in 1955, and several associate ministers served faithfully alongside him. Despite limited financial resources, the pioneers of New Light Missionary Baptist Church remained steadfast, and the church prospered by keeping the Lord first in all things.
In August 1965, Reverend Dr. H.B. Williams became Acting Pastor and was officially elected Pastor that December following Reverend Chinn's passing. Through his God-given vision, the church completed its Community Outreach Center in 2002, expanding efforts to reach, teach, and serve the North Baton Rouge community. Additional ministries were established, including the 4-K Karing Kitchen & Kloth Kloset, a computer lab dedicated in loving memory of Cherlyn Ann Fugler-Young, and the 4CLTP technology program. The center also hosted medical research studies that benefited the community. Mrs. Wilma Williams, Dr. Williams' wife, played an essential role in organizing ministries such as the Nursing Guild, Sisterhood, and recognition days for students. Together, their extraordinary partnership strengthened New Light's mission for decades.
Mr. Speaker, on December 31, 2005, Dr. H.B. Williams installed Dr. Gil H. Wright as Pastor, marking a historic moment as the pastoral mantle was passed with grace and unity. Under Dr. Wright's leadership, New Light Missionary Baptist Church continues to thrive—purchasing a 15-passenger van, remodeling facilities, retiring the loan on the community center, and strengthening marriage ministry, new member engagement, and communication through announcement monitors. As New Light marches forward, pointing souls to Christ, Dr. Wright's dedication, prayerful leadership, and decades of faithful service remain evident in every facet of ministry. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring New Light Missionary Baptist Church for its rich legacy, enduring faith, and unwavering commitment to God's work in the Baton Rouge community.