Greater Golden Light Baptist Church of Basile was the scene for an invigorating spiritual Black History program on Sunday, February 10. The 9 a.m. church services incorporated the celebration into their regular Sunday morning worship.
The event opened with a reading from the 23rd Psalm by Deacon Cleveland Ceasar and included music, speeches, and a special recognition ceremony.
The program focused on honoring seven African-American Evangeline Parish residents who are serving the community through their various politically elected positions. Pastor Greg Fontenot introduced each of the honorees with Deacon Ceasar assisting the pastor in presenting each honoree with framed recognition certificates and special gifts from the church.
Those honored were Latoya Howze, Basile Councilwoman; Debra Fontenot, Chataignier Councilwoman; Derrell Thomas, Mamou Councilman; Brent Zachery, Mamou Chief of Police; Brian Ardoin, candidate for Evangeline Parish Sheriff; Ricky Fontenot, Mamou Mayor; and Shelia Joseph, Evangeline Parish school board member.
On a personal note, Reverend Fontenot told of many unusual things that he and Mayor Ricky Fontenot have in common.
Greg was born on July 16 and Ricky was born on July 15. Greg is pastor in Basile and Ricky is originally from Basile. The pastor's dad was known as "Grande B" and the mayor's dad was known as "B Five." Both men are said to look somewhat alike and at one time both had moles on their faces. Eventually, both had the moles removed. The coincidences were accepted as a part of God's plan as the two Fontenots married two sisters.
In addition to the seven designated honorees, the following congregation members were recognized. They included Joao Deolizeira II, the youngest church deacon in Evangeline Parish; Barry Joubert, the first African-American utility supervisor for the town of Basile; and Jamie Fontenot, candidate for sheriff.
A highlight of the program was a presentation by Ray Charles Fontenot, known for his delivery of sermons and speeches by the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Fontenot's voice and demeanor were spot on and the congregation felt as though King, himself, was in the church.
Music and singing during the service provided an excellent opportunity for worship and praise and was led by the church choir under the direction of Ray Charles Landry.
Hymns included "I Came to Tell You What Jesus Said" with Jerry Adams as soloist, "How Great is Our God" by the Mass Choir, "On Time God" with Roxanne Bushnell as soloist, "Thank You, Jesus" with Landry as soloist, and "Jesus Comforts" with Adams as soloist.
The message of the day, delivered by the pastor, was entitled "Whatever You Do, Don't Give Up."
In his remarks he related Scripture to the elected officials’ calls to serve and emphasized that God will provide the direction that each official would need to carry out his or her duties of office.
The service closed with an altar call, communion, and benediction.
June 19, 2026
