On April 26, 2021 Mayor Rick Allen signed a proclamation designating the section of Red Town Road which fronts the New Willow Baptist Church in Leesville as the Reverend Dr. Harrison Fields, Sr. Memorial Road.

During his lifetime, Rev. Fields provided guidance to many in the community in his role as pastor of New Willow Church, where he served for more than 60 years, and also as an educator with the Leesville School District.

He was affiliated with both the National Baptist Convention and the Louisiana Baptist Convention, and over the years served as Director of the Leesville Chapter of the United Theological Seminary and Bible College, President of the Leesville Area Ministerial Alliance, and Vice-President of Calcasieu Union Missionary and Education Association.

In these various roles, Rev. Fields traveled extensively around Louisiana, along the way mentoring countless young ministers, many of whom are currently serving as pastors of their own churches throughout the United States.

He was often heard to remind others to, “Do God’s will, God’s way. If you are not doing it God’s way, it ain’t worth a dime.”

His passing has left a great void in the City of Leesville, and especially in the New Willow Baptist Church.

The memorial markers were unveiled at the church immediately after the Council meeting had ended.

This article originally appeared on Leesville Daily Leader: Mayor names Section of Red Town Road as Reverend Dr. Harrison Fields, Sr. Memorial Road