[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 97 (Tuesday, June 9, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E550-E551]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF FRIENDSHIP-WEST BAPTIST CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JASMINE CROCKETT

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 9, 2026

  Ms. CROCKETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary 
institution in Texas' 30th Congressional District, Friendship-West 
Baptist Church, as it celebrates 50 years of faithful service, 
transformative ministry, and community leadership. This recognition is 
especially meaningful to me because Friendship-West is not only a 
pillar of our community--it is also my home church.
  Founded on June 13, 1976, by the late Reverend Robert L. Castle, Ill 
with just nine worshippers gathering at the Mary Lois Sweatt School of 
Dance on Liberty Lane, Friendship-West has grown into one of the most 
influential faith institutions in North Texas. For five decades, the 
church has served as a beacon of faith, justice, and empowerment, 
demonstrating a steadfast commitment to both spiritual growth and 
community transformation.
  Under the leadership of Reverend Castle and now Rev. Dr. Frederick D. 
Haynes, III, Friendship-West earned national recognition for its 
commitment to prophetic ministry, social justice, educational 
advancement, economic empowerment, and civic engagement. For more than 
forty years, Dr. Haynes led the congregation with vision, courage, and 
compassion, establishing Friendship-West as a leading voice on issues 
of faith, justice, and community empowerment: His ministry challenged 
people to connect faith with action and inspired generations to pursue 
lives rooted in service, dignity, and hope.
  Friendship-West has touched countless lives through worship, 
discipleship, youth development programs, community partnerships,

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scholarship initiatives, and advocacy efforts that address the needs of 
underserved communities. The church has also been a leader in 
confronting critical challenges facing the Dallas community. Through 
initiatives such as the Annual MLK Teach-In and the Food Justice 
Initiative, Friendship-West has promoted education, civic engagement, 
food access, and sustainability while empowering residents to become 
agents of change in their own communities.
  In 2014, the Church expanded its impact by acquiring a credit union 
and creating pathways to financial opportunity for individuals and 
families often overlooked by traditional lending institutions. By 
providing access to responsible financial services and small-dollar 
loans, Friendship-West helped create opportunities for economic 
mobility and stability for members of the surrounding community.
  The Church's ministry extends beyond Dallas. In 2003, Friendship-West 
formally adopted Emmanuel Baptist Church in Harare, Zimbabwe, helping 
support the construction of a worship auditorium, daycare center, and 
educational facilities. This partnership reflects the church's 
longstanding commitment to service both locally and globally.
  For fifty years, Friendship-West has strengthened families, developed 
leaders, uplifted communities, and inspired generations to live lives 
of faith and service. Its legacy is reflected not only in the lives of 
its members but throughout Dallas, Texas' 30th Congressional District, 
and beyond.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize Friendship-West Baptist Church 
as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. I congratulate its clergy, 
leadership, and congregation on this remarkable milestone and thank 
them for their enduring contributions to our community. I wish them 
continued success and abundant blessings in the years ahead.

                          ____________________