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 16, 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 True Light Baptist Church, a congregation whose faith and perseverance have carried it through 85 years of ministry. As Matthew 16:18 declares, “And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” This scripture has proven true in the story of True Light Baptist Church, which began with a handful of believers and grew, by faith, into a lasting pillar of its community.
together to organize a church in the name of Jesus Christ, and the name True Light Baptist Church was decided upon. A young and dynamic minister, Minister Chester Arthur Forrest, was asked to lead the congregation and assist in its organization. In January of 1941, the church held prayer meetings and nightly services in what had once been an old macaroni factory on North 40th Street, with a total membership of just seven.
On April 14, 1941, the first communion was served by Rev. J. E. Lee, as Minister Forrest had not yet been ordained; the first offering and dues collected that day totaled $3.35, of which $1.50 was given to Rev. Lee for his services. On May 7, 1941, Minister Forrest was ordained, and on May 11, 1941, Rev. C. A. Forrest served his first communion, with offerings and dues netting $18.75. A revival service on May 12, 1941, brought six souls to salvation, and on the second Sunday in June 1941, the congregation held its first baptismal service at an outdoor pond known as Little Misery. Three more souls were saved in July 1941, and by May 1942, the congregation had grown to 27 members.
old macaroni factory to North 39th and Zion Street, continuing to grow in membership and in faith. In April 1955, the congregation constructed a new church building to accommodate its growth. As the church continued to flourish, that building, too, became too small for its congregation. In 1975, property on North Street was purchased, a groundbreaking ceremony followed
Following the death of Rev. Forrest, Rev. John Earthly served the congregation untiringly as pastor for almost two years. On December 5, 1989, Rev. Dennis R. Hebert was elected as the church's new pastor, a position in which he continues to serve faithfully and diligently, honoring the legacy left by the church's founders. Under Pastor Hebert's leadership, several ministries have been combined to strengthen their work and improve their service to both the congregation and the surrounding community. To this day, under his guidance, True Light Baptist Church continues pointing men, women, boys, and girls to Christ, which remains its members' only hope for salvation.
Jesus Christ is Lord, led by ministers with a vision of hope, and sustained by a people filled with the Spirit of Christ. In honoring this congregation, we also acknowledge the trailblazers who, like Nehemiah upon the wall, had no desire to come down until their work was done: Brother Charlie Dawson, Sr., Brother Kemp Thomas, Sr., Sister Luvenia Thomas, Brother Morgan Christentary, Brother Andrew Williams, Sister Rachel Hawkins, Sister Selena Williams, Sister Elsie Williams, and Sister Geneva Williams.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring True Light Baptist Church, Pastor Dennis R. Herbert, and the congregation's faithful trailblazers for 85 years of unwavering faith and devoted service. May True Light Baptist Church continue to shine as a beacon of hope for generations yet to come.