- Record: Extensions of Remarks
- Section type: Recognition
- Chamber: House
- Date: September 4, 2026
- Congress: 119th Congress
- Why this source matters: Extensions of Remarks are statements submitted for the official record, even if they were not spoken live on the floor.
HON. CLEO FIELDS
of louisiana
in the house of representatives
Mr. FIELDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a great church in my District, Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, located on South Blvd in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Established in 1867 by free Black men during the Reconstruction era, Bethel AME Church stands as one of the oldest pillars of faith and community in South Baton Rouge.
powerful milestone in the history of African American civic leadership. Throughout the turbulent years of Jim Crow and the civil rights movement, Bethel AME Church served as a sanctuary for hope, resilience, and justice, providing a forum for community advocacy and spiritual upliftment.
including hosting the unveiling of a U.S. Postal Service Black Heritage stamp in 2016 to honor AME founder Richard Allen and serving as a proud site for the Louisiana AME Annual Conference. These moments underscore the church's vital role in preserving and celebrating the heritage of the AME tradition.
ongoing outreach, including food distribution programs that support families in need across Baton Rouge. Its commitment to compassion and community remains unwavering, reflecting the enduring spirit of those who founded it more than 150 years ago.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues and fellow citizens to recognize Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church for its historic leadership, dedication to faith, and steadfast service to South Baton Rouge. May its legacy of worship, resilience, and outreach inspire generations to come.