[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 40 (Tuesday, March 3, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E180-E181]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING PASTOR FREDDIE HINSON, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 3, 2026

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
extraordinary contributions of a dedicated community leader in my 
district, Pastor Freddie Hinson, Jr. Pastor Hinson has been a devoted 
member, volunteer, and Spiritual Advisor to the YMCA Togetherhood 
Program, where his guidance and leadership have made a transformative 
impact in one of our community's most underserved areas.
  Pastor Hinson's service goes far beyond ceremonial duties. He 
actively mentors leaders, encourages volunteers, and helps shape 
initiatives that address food insecurity, health disparities, 
neighborhood revitalization, and family empowerment. Through prayer, 
strategic insight, and hands-on participation, he brings both spiritual 
grounding and practical leadership to every effort, ensuring that the 
YMCA Togetherhood Program's initiatives are not only meaningful but 
sustainable. A native of Clearwater, Florida, Pastor Hinson accepted 
his call to public ministry while serving in the U.S. Army at SHAPE, 
Belgium, where he served as a Soldier, Minister, and Musician. Upon 
returning home, he was licensed as a minister and faithfully served in 
leadership roles for decades, including as Senior Pastor of Union 
Baptist Church in Port Richey and currently as Senior Pastor of New 
Hope Baptist Church of Hudson, a position he has held for 28 years. 
Beyond his ministry, Pastor Hinson has strengthened partnerships 
between faith communities, civic leaders, and grassroots organizations. 
He served as Director of the City of Clearwater's Neighborhood

[[Page E181]]

Services Department, where he worked to promote neighborhood 
sustainability and urban redevelopment. His efforts have mobilized 
community volunteers, fostered unity, and created lasting positive 
change in the lives of residents throughout Hernando County. Pastor 
Hinson's life reflects a commitment to service, family, and faith. 
Married for forty years, he is a proud father of two daughters and 
grandfather of two granddaughters. His devotion to family mirrors his 
dedication to ministry and community, demonstrating a life grounded in 
integrity, servant leadership, and lasting impact.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Pastor 
Freddie Hinson, Jr. for his decades of faithful service, leadership, 
and transformative contributions to our community. For his 
extraordinary commitment to strengthening both church and community, I 
am proud to honor Pastor Hinson as a 2026 Heroes Among Us recipient for 
Florida's 12th Congressional District.

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