Church History

On April 13, 1913 Reverend Cassie organized New Hope Baptist Church along with seven members in the home of Mrs. Ida Taylor of Whitfield Mills Road, Jackson, Mississippi. Reverend Spencer Taylor succeeded Pastor Cassie in 1914 and served the growing congregation as pastor for ten years. The church relocated to the corner of Holmes and Spring Streets when Reverend Nick Bradley was called to pastor. During Reverend Bradley's administration, the church moved to Whitfield Mills Road.

Following Reverend Bradley's death in 1924, his son, Reverend E. M. H. Bradley, was called to pastor and served until his death in 1944.

Reverend G. C. Hunte became the fifth pastor of New Hope Church in 1944. Under his leadership, the church began its first financial drive with a goal of securing funds to build a new facility. Construction began in 1950 on Whitfield Mills Road. On May 1, 1955, construction was completed and the congregation moved to its new facility at 2355 Whitfield Mills Road. Reverend Hunte faithfully served the congregation until his death in 1973. In addition to spiritual leadership, Reverend Hunte was a good steward who, upon his death, left the church debt free.

Reverend E. C. Burns became pastor in November 1973, and served until June 1979. During his administration, the membership nearly doubled to 750; additional property was purchased; a church constitution was written; and a new order of service was implemented.

On February 1, 1980, Reverend Jerry Young began his administration as the seventh pastor of New Hope Baptist Church. Reverend Young, a dynamic and expository preacher, lead the church in tremendous growth and opportunity for ministry and outreach. Realizing such tremendous growth, with vision and foresight, Reverend Young led the church in purchasing a new facility located at 5202 Watkins Drive. The first worship service in the new facility was held in March 1981. The Deacon's Family plan, "The Shepherd's Plan," became operational.

In July 1982, the New Hope Kindergarten and Day Care Center was established with an ultimate vision of developing a Christian School. New Hope Kindergarten and Day Care Center began serving children ages 3 through 5.

"A Going Church to Meet the Coming Christ," a phrase coined by Reverend Young, became the motto of the church and was indicative of the thrust of the total ministry. Membership at New Hope reached 1000 in 1983.

The first Pictorial Directory was published in 1984, and by 1985, the church celebrated the liquidation of the indebtedness of the facility during three days of praise, worship, and thanksgiving. The church held its first annual Yuletide Fellowship and began its annual Reformation Celebration. Twenty-one acres of land were purchased north of the facility in 1986. During that year, the church records were computerized. New ministries were developed in 1989 that included: Equipping, Prison, Hospital, Outreach, Youth Christian Education, and Membership. In 1989, the Kindergarten and Day Care Center became New Hope Christian School which served children ages 6 months through first grade.

Pastor Young lead the congregation in the development of a vision and mission statement for the church, "Our vision is to touch our community with the transforming power of the gospel of Jesus Christ in order that a Christian world and life view may permeate our communities." This vision guided the work of the ministry. In 1990, two ordination services were held; eleven deacons and one minister were ordained. The Laymen's Ministry was reorganized and an Administrative Staff was added. In 1991, the Discipleship Ministry was enhanced and a Money Management class was implemented. Plans for the Family Life Center were completed in 1992. Small Group Study for adults and a Children's Ministry were established in 1993.

A groundbreaking ceremony for the new Family Life Center was held in 1994. The church hired its first Youth Director and the first graduation from the elementary school that had grown to serve students through 6th grade was held in May 1994. In 1997, the Family Life Center was completed and dedicated; the elementary division of New Hope Christian School moved into the FLC; the Christian Education Director became a full time staff person; and the Comforting Ministry was established. Three young men were called to the ministry and one was ordained.

In 1990, Reverend Young directed the Future Development Design Committee of the ministry to add to the present ground and facilities a plan for the inclusion of a West campus which would have a worship facility, softball/soccer fields, tennis courts, picnic area, a half mile jogging track and additional parking.

The year 2000 brought inspiration and opportunity. Ten new deacons were trained and ordained into the ministry. The first scholarship fund for high school and college graduates was established and $5000 in scholarship money was issued to deserving students within the ministry. Reverend Young and his family celebrated their 20th year of pastoral service to the New Hope Congregation.