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Congressional Daily Record
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September 15, 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 recognize a great church in my district, New Beginning Baptist Church, located at 7815 White Street in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Established in 2002, the church traces its roots to the Weller Avenue Baptist Church, originally pastored by Rev. Joel Porter and under the supervision of the Southern Baptist Convention. After Rev. Porter's tenure, the congregation became Jefferson Missionary Baptist Church at Mohican, but faced challenges regarding pastoral leadership and the church's future. In May 2002, Rev. Donald Hunter, Sr. was elected pastor, beginning a new era of ministry and vision.
chose to move forward independently, relocating to the T.J. Jemison Baptist Center in September 2002. Shortly thereafter, the church adopted its new name, New Beginning Baptist Church, and joined the Louisiana State Baptist Convention, gaining sovereign authority over its mission and future. Pastor Hunter introduced a vision that included seven ministries: Outreach, Children's, Women's, Senior's, Single's, Youth, and Men's Ministries, each with designated leadership and a Board of Christian Education to support their work throughout the year.
with the Baptist Center to provide mid-week services and free lunches for students and the local community. In August 2005, God blessed New Beginning Baptist Church with the purchase of its own building and 3.5 acres on White Street. Dedicated members came together to refurbish the property, adding new bathrooms, bricks, signage, windows, choir robes, pews, and A/C units over the following years. Pastor Hunter organized a Building Committee in 2008, and by 2009, the church celebrated the completion of a new facility with classrooms, fellowship hall, kitchen, and more.
City Revitalization Project, working to improve the neighborhood by clearing abandoned properties and planting trees. This initiative aims to reduce crime and unemployment and expand educational and economic opportunities for local residents. The church remains steadfast in its commitment to serving the Baton Rouge community, preaching and teaching the Gospel, and following the leadership of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Its membership continues to grow, and it is the prayer of Pastor Hunter and the congregation that God's blessings will guide them in their ongoing ministry.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating New Beginning Baptist Church, Pastor Donald Hunter, and the dedicated congregation for more than two decades of transformative service and leadership in Baton Rouge.