From These Humble Beginnings

1861-1864 – The New Hope Baptist Church was organized under the leadership of Rev. J. R. Wilburn in New Hope Town which was considered west of Perry. The first building was a wooden structure and the land was donated by Brother Nathaniel Jackson for $5.00.

1864-1882 – Rev. L.L. Primus, Pastor. Brother Solomon Jackson and Brother Benjamin James were responsible for acquiring the deeds for the church.

1881-1911 – Rev. Henry Felder, Pastor. Brothers J. M. Jackson, D. N. Wimberly, Ed Nelson, J. H. Irby, Albert Sheppard, N. W. Wimberly, and Wyant Fann formed the building committee for a brick structure.

1911-1915 – Rev. Frank Howard, Pastor. The Brick structure was started and completed. The officers and building committee consisted of: Deacons C. C. Jones, C. W. Humphreys, Charles Rountree, S. Fann, P. Brown, Abe Bacon and A. Williams.

1915-1928 – Rev. H. C. Cain, Pastor. The membership grew.

1928-1934 – Rev. Charlie Byron, Pastor.

1934 – Rev. A. E. Smith, Pastor.

1935 – Rev. R. W. Wiggins, Pastor. The Deaconess Board was established in 1936.

1937-1948 – Rev. B. G. Stallworth, Pastor. The membership grew and some improvements made to the church.

1948-1957 – Rev. B. Johnson, Pastor. The membership grew and improvements were made to the church. The B. Johnson choir and the Junior choir were formed. The Deacon Board consisted of: Deacons Edward Lawson (Chairman) Willie Barham, George Jones, W. F. Ragin, W. M. Pierce, Lee Releford, Thomas Releford, Freeman Roberts, Norman Taylor, Harrison Dixon, A. Garman, and J. T. Taylor.

1958-1959 – Rev. Orr, Interim Pastor.

1959-1982 – Rev. Daniel Thomas, Pastor. The membership grew each year and two deacons were added, Deacon Peter Brown and Deacon James Ash. Auxiliaries organized were: Goodwill Club, The Faithful 12, The General Mission and its Circles, Pastor’s Aid Club, Adult Bible Class and the Floral Club. The annex was completed. The B. T. U. was organized and church services began at 11:30 A.M. In 1973 two

2001 – The 8:00 A.M. Worship Service, including breakfast, was started. The Love, Caring and Sharing Ministry donated a church marquee. Brother Walter Daniels was added to the Deacons Ministry.

2002 – Land was purchased on Washington Street for a new church. Minister Kimble Rogers was licensed and Ministers Alfred Dixon and Raymond Brown joined under watch care.

2003 – The Youth Department expanded to include the HOPE (Helping Other People Everywhere) Team. The members travelled from door to door. The Grant Committee was created. Two deacons were added to the Deacon Ministry: Deacons Eric Glover and Reginald Montgomery.

2004 – The Praise Team Ministry and Praise Dance Worship Group was formed.

2006 – The Angel Food Ministry was started at the church.

2007 – Ground Breaking Ceremony for the new sanctuary was held on February 11 at 3:00 p.m. Under Pastor Harden’s leadership, construction began shortly thereafter.

2009 – Pastor Dennis Harden lead the procession from the previous church home located at 1014 W. F. Ragin Drive to our current home at 1300 Washington Street. “TO GOD BE THE GLORY.”