[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 44 (Tuesday, March 10, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Page S956]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      REMEMBERING DR. JOE S. GREEN

 Mr. CASSIDY. Mr. President, I would like to honor the life and 
legacy of Dr. Joe S. Green--the ``Bayou Bishop''--a devoted minister 
and veteran who helped teach, train, and care for his community in 
Rapides Parish, the State of Louisiana, and around the world. Born on 
May 20, 1940 in Pineville, LA, Dr. Green grew up as a farm boy on Bayou 
Rapides. From his youth, Dr. Green demonstrated his immense commitment 
to service by participating in many activities and ministries in First 
Evening Star Baptist church and his local community.
  On October 1, 1958, high school sweethearts reunited. Dr. Green and 
Josephine Reed Green said, ``I do.'' Together, they had three beautiful 
children and built a family rooted in love and faith for over 62 years.
  Dr. Green was drafted into the military while attending Southern 
University. His participation in the Army Reserve Officer Training 
Corps paved the way for him to join the Special Forces in the 82nd 
Airborne Division. Here, Dr. Green taught, trained, and cared for 
people, allowing him to work in his God-given purpose. After 26 years 
of service, Dr. Green retired from the military and worked as a 
recruiter and trainer for the U.S. Department of Labor before answering 
the call to the ministry.
  Dr. Green held bachelor of theology, master of religion, master of 
theology, and doctor of divinity degrees. He began his ministry at 
Second Evening Star Baptist Church in Rapides Station, LA. Later, the 
Lord called Dr. Green to shepherd St. Matthew Baptist Church. It was 
here where he utilized his unique, down-to-earth style of preaching and 
helped grow membership from 50 members to more than 1,200 members, 
including the addition of over 40 ministries. In addition to serving as 
a pastor, Dr. Green founded Rapides Station Community Ministries, a 
faith-based nonprofit organization, providing affordable housing to 
Louisiana families. Dr. Green led outreach initiatives across the 
United States and into Africa.
  Dr. Green's thoughts are memorialized in part in the book ``Bayou 
Bishop: Life and Lessons from Dr. Joe S. Green.'' As we acknowledge his 
distinguished legacy and service, his essence is summarized in this: 
``Making disciples, winning the unchurched and empowering them to 
become fully functioning followers of Jesus Christ.''

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