[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 153 (Thursday, September 22, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E975]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE EBENEZER BAPTIST CHURCH ON CELEBRATING THEIR 100TH YEAR 
                  OF SERVING THE NEW ORLEANS COMMUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. TROY A. CARTER

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 22, 2022

  Mr. CARTER of Louisiana. Madam Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute 
to Ebenezer Baptist Church as they celebrate their 100th year of 
serving the New Orleans Community. On September 22, 1922, a meeting was 
called by Rev. Marshall Lewis, Sr. where the first officers were 
elected, prayer was offered, and the Church was organized. They began 
services in a rented space before shortly moving to its iconic and 
enduring home, 2415 South Claiborne Avenue.
  Under Founder and 1st Pastor Reverend Marshall Lewis, Sr.'s 
leadership, the congregation grew, and the church thrived. They were 
incorporated in 1928, completely paid off by 1935, and Reverend 
Marshall Lewis, Sr. successfully pastored this congregation from 1922 
until his death in 1940. After his passing, and one year of mourning, 
the congregation chose his son Reverend Marshall Lewis, Jr. as the new 
pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church. Rev. Marshall Lewis, Jr. pastored 
the congregation until his untimely death in March of 1946. From April 
1946 to January of 1947, Reverend Alexander BeBell served as the 
operating pastor; and from January 1947 to October 1947, he served as 
full Pastor.
  On October 31, 1947, Reverend Lawrence E. Landrum, Jr. was elected 
the new Pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church, ushering in a new era, 
pioneering, and starting many traditions within the Church. Growing up 
in the church, Reverend Landrum, Jr. was strongly involved in the 
community and eventually became a popular musician, singer, and 
preacher in New Orleans. In 1948, Pastor Landrum led a renovation of 
their church sanctuary that was completed in 1950. By the next year, 
Pastor Landrum began a live radio broadcast, combining two of their 
service choirs to form one of the city's first Mass Choirs titled the 
``Radio Choir''. In 1952, Pastor Landrum ordained the First Woman 
Preacher in the Baptist Church, Rev. Viola Allen Miller; and throughout 
his Ministry he ordained hundreds more. In 1958, Pastor Landrum began 
to expand the church's community outreach, demolishing the adjacent 
property to build an educational building. This was completed in 1960 
and to this day, houses 6 classrooms, a kitchen, dining area, office, 
and restrooms. Over the years, Rev. Landrum continued to grow the 
congregation from 167 members when he first took over, reaching 1,700 
members at their peak.
  In the following years, Rev. Landrum's grandson, Minister Jermaine 
Landrum began working with and improving different ministries within 
the church, and by 1995, was appointed to Co-Pastor of the Church. Rev. 
Jermaine Landrum grew attendance and outreach ministries through both 
radio and television.
  In 2005 Hurricane Katrina tested the very fiber of the church. 
Following this disaster, the church had to undergo many changes to 
continue its operations ultimately resulting in Rev. Lawrence Landrum 
deciding to retire after 59 years of dedicated pastoring.
  In its modern era, Rev. Jermaine Landrum continue to strive for 
growth and rebuilding within this church community. This was 
accomplished through new forms of outreach, purchasing additional 
properties, a greater media presence, and many more opportunities. 
Ebenezer Baptist Church continues to weather through storms and 
pandemics, as their congregation survived all catastrophic events 
during 2020 through 2021. And now, the Church is still prospering, 
standing 100 years strong, and looking forward to better days ahead.
  Their history shows adaptability and the higher level of 
determination required to weather through setbacks and storms. Through 
faith and dedication, remaining as a solid pillar to the New Orleans 
Community, we honor their resilience as they continue to stand strong 
and continue serving.

                          ____________________