2018-0264
Title
In Recognition: First Baptist Church of Paradis Christian Basketball Fellowship, Celebrating 25 Years
Body
The Parish of St. Charles
October 1, 2018
IN RECOGNITION
WHEREAS, Brother Wayne Baloney, Sr., was blessed with a vision and shared it with Brother Donnie Hills to host a basketball tournament to bring young men together in a peaceful environment to stem the fighting in our schools and communities. The late Mr. Albert M. Charles, Pastor of First Baptist Church in Paradis at the time, gave his approval for the church to pursue this endeavor; and,
WHEREAS, the first tournament was held in 1993 at J.B. Martin Jr. High School in Paradis where four teams were invited and only three attended. The teams were from Morning Star Baptist Church, Mt. Zion Baptist Church, and First Baptist Church of Paradis; and,
WHEREAS, the Christian Basketball Fellowship is still going strong today with the continued support from Pastor Lionel E. Mason, current Pastor of First Baptist Church of Paradis. The tournament has grown to eight teams participating every year and is now held at Hahnville High School in Boutte; and,
WHEREAS, the teams come together with love, friendship, and strong competition where no fighting or foul language occurs; and,
WHEREAS, the basketball fellowship has grown tremendously with sponsorships from the business community and the support from the St. Charles Parish School System through the late Dr. Rodney Lafon, former Superintendent and Superintendent Ms. Felicia Gomez-Walker; and,
WHEREAS, with God's blessings and community support the First Baptist Church of Paradis Christian Basketball Fellowship has been able to provide scholarships to children going to college or a Vo-Tech school. In the 25 years, over $33,000.00 in scholarships have been awarded; and,
WHEREAS, the First Baptist Church of Paradis Christian Basketball Fellowship has been blessed with many supporters over the 25 years of its existence; the late Ms. Evelyn Jeffe...
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