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2026 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 91
BY SENATOR BOUDREAUX
A RESOLUTION
To commend and congratulate Progressive Baptist Church of Lafayette, Louisiana, upon the
celebration of its one hundredth anniversary and to recognize the church's century
of faith, service, and spiritual leadership in the community.
WHEREAS, in 1925, Progressive Baptist Church was founded by Brothers and
Sisters Warren Hall, W. O. Brian, R. Andersen, and Henry Sias and has served as a steadfast
beacon of faith, hope, and community service since that time; and
WHEREAS, shortly after its organization, Reverend A. C. Marshall was called to
serve as the first pastor of the new church, leading a dedicated congregation of nine
members; and
WHEREAS, the small, white frame church was built in 1926, marking a new era of
growth and stability for the congregation, and became affiliated with the Seventh District
Missionary Baptist Association; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Marshall faithfully served Progressive Baptist Church for
twenty years, after which Reverend Alex, Reverend J. J. Webster, Reverend E. D. Rideaux,
Reverend C. R. Steward, and Reverend Freddie Banks were each called in turn to serve as
pastors, continuing the church's mission of spreading the gospel and strengthening its
ministry; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Raymond Smith later became pastor and oversaw a period
of remarkable growth and development, including the expansion and renovation of the
church building in 1953, to accommodate the increasing membership and the purchase of
property for future expansion and construction, ultimately building the Fellowship Hall and
securing land for use as a church cemetery; and
WHEREAS, following Reverend Smith's pastorship, Pastor Lloyd Joiner Jr. was
called to serve as pastor of Progressive Baptist Church, ushering in an extraordinary era of
growth, vision, and ministry; and
WHEREAS, under Pastor Joiner's dynamic leadership, the current sanctuary was
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SR NO. 91 ENROLLED
constructed, and the church continued to expand with numerous renovations and
improvements, including construction of the Lloyd Joiner Jr. Educational Building to
provide space for Christian education and ministries, as well as a daycare facility adjacent
to the building to serve the needs of families in the community; and
WHEREAS, Pastor Joiner's commitment to community engagement also led to the
establishment of the Progressive Community Outreach Center, which serves both the
congregation and the wider Lafayette community by hosting health screenings, a GED
program, sports events, financial literacy classes, grief share meetings, a summer enrichment
program, and a testing center – all with the mission of sharing the love and word of God; and
WHEREAS, under Pastor Joiner's continued vision, the United Theological Seminary
and Bible College established an extension campus on the grounds of Progressive Baptist
Church, training men and women of various Christian denominations for leadership within
their churches, communities, and beyond; and
WHEREAS, after forty-four years of faithful service, Pastor Lloyd Joiner, Jr. retired
and now serves honorably as Pastor Emeritus; and
WHEREAS, on October 15, 2023, Dr. Chad E. Nora was elected as the next pastor
of Progressive Baptist Church and since assuming leadership, he has emphasized three core
focuses: strong biblical teaching, a loving and sincere church community, and caring,
effective, and meaningful outreach; and
WHEREAS, Pastor Chad has overseen multiple facility upgrades, modernized church
operations through digital innovation, introduced new ministry initiatives, and established
the church's official vision, mission, and slogan, reflecting his commitment to unity, purpose,
tradition, and progress; and
WHEREAS, 2025 marked the church's Centennial Celebration, a remarkable
milestone that honored the vision, perseverance, and faith of generations past while looking
forward with hope and purpose to the future; and
WHEREAS, Progressive Baptist Church commemorated this historic occasion with
a Centennial Anniversary Gala on November 15, 2025, and a Centennial Church
Anniversary Worship Service on November 16, 2025, both celebrating a century of spiritual
guidance and community impact.
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SR NO. 91 ENROLLED
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby commend and congratulate Progressive Baptist Church of Lafayette, Louisiana,
upon the celebration of its one hundredth anniversary and does hereby recognize the church's
century of faith, service, and spiritual leadership in the community.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to Dr.
Chad E. Nora, Pastor of Progressive Baptist Church.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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