[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 7]
[Senate]
[Page 10231]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




            125TH ANNIVERSARY OF OLIVE GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

 Ms. LANDRIEU. Mr. President, today I ask my colleagues to join 
me in recognizing the 125th anniversary of Olive Grove Baptist Church 
in Choudrant, LA.
  In 1885, a small group of determined men and women founded what would 
become Olive Grove Baptist Church under the guidance of Rev. Andrew 
Moaten. Worshipping alongside Reverend Moaten were Deacon Henry Waters, 
Taylor and Martha Waters, Sister Mattie Hamilton, Deacon Mike Taylor, 
and Deacon State Wright.
  These early members held services in a brush arbor for about 1 year 
before the first small structure, originally lit by kerosene lamps, was 
built. As the needs of its parishioners grew, so did Olive Grove 
Baptist Church. A new church was completed in 1926 under the guidance 
of Rev. H.J. Jordan, and in 1944 members began to raise money for yet 
another church. A storm destroyed the church in 1986, and current 
members now worship in the fifth Olive Grove Church to stand in 
Choudrant.
  The church is currently led by the Rev. Derric Chatman, a dynamic 
young pastor. Current members, children of deceased members, 
individuals with community ties, and the general public continue to 
support the church with generous financial backing, allowing the church 
to remain active in its various ministries and demonstrating the 
important role that Olive Grove Baptist plays in the local community.
  I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating Olive Grove 
Baptist Church on their 125th anniversary and in wishing them the best 
for years to come.

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