[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 2]
[Senate]
[Pages 3097-3098]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        NEW HOPE BAPTIST CHURCH

 Mr. VITTER. Madam President, today I wish to recognize New 
Hope Baptist Church.
  On Sunday, February 23, New Hope Baptist Church observed its 145th 
anniversary of its Christian ministry to the citizens of Gretna, LA. 
Founded in 1863 by 14 freed slaves, New Hope was first

[[Page 3098]]

known as the Congregational Church, later changing to the Freewill 
Baptist Church before finally adopting its current name.
  Under the leadership and guidance of Rev. Warren Johnson, New Hope 
has remained true to the core values and beliefs that serve as the 
spiritual foundation of its mission. The church is part of the 
historical tour of Gretna and is located next to the site of the first 
school for African-American children in the city. New Hope has served 
as beacon of light and a place where people in the community can come 
to rejuvenate their faith.
  It is my honor to recognize New Hope Baptist Church on this 
anniversary, and I offer my best wishes for many more years of faithful 
service.

                          ____________________