[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 71 (Monday, April 26, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E449]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE SERVICE OF PASTOR JOHN DAVID NUGENT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BRIAN BABIN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 26, 2021

  Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the faithful service 
of John David Nugent as he retires from his role of nearly 25 years as 
lead pastor at Hillcrest Baptist Church in Jasper, Texas. Under Pastor 
Nugent's leadership, the Hillcrest family has grown tremendously from 
617 to 1,632 church members. Pastor Nugent's time at Hillcrest Baptist 
has also seen the construction and completion of a new campus for the 
church to call home.
  Prior to his time at Hillcrest, Pastor Nugent became licensed in 
ministry in 1973 and was ordained on September 16, 1979, at Central 
Baptist Church in Monroe, Louisiana, where he served as associate 
pastor from 1977 until 1981. He would later go on to serve as pastor at 
First Baptist Church in Lone Pine, Louisiana; New Zion Baptist Church 
in Oak Grove, Louisiana; and First Baptist Church in Spurger, Texas, 
before making the move to Jasper.
  Over the years, Pastor Nugent has held influential roles with the 
Sabine Valley Association, New Bethel Association, Bayou Macon 
Association, and Louisiana Association.
  For nearly a half century, Pastor Nugent has been a steadfast servant 
of God and tirelessly devoted to furthering His kingdom. He has 
selflessly dedicated his time as pastor to improving the lives of his 
congregants, strengthening his community, and spreading the word of the 
Lord to all who would listen. It is no wonder why he is held in high 
regard by all who know him. Madam Speaker, I honor and thank my friend, 
Pastor Nugent, for his years of dutiful service.

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