NEW HOPE BAPTIST CHURCH HISTORY - …

1 NEW hope BAPTIST CHURCH HISTORY 1861-1864 The New hope BAPTIST CHURCH was organized under the leadership of Rev. Wilbum 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 $ , where the present CHURCH stands. 1864-1882 Under the leadership of Rev. Primus, the two members responsible for getting the deeds for the CHURCH were Brother Solomon Jackson and Brother Benjamin James in 1869. 1882-1911 The CHURCH called Rev. Henry Felder. Under his leadership, money was raised for a brick structure. The members of the building committee for the brick structure were Brother J.

2 M. Jackson, Brother Wimberly, Brother Ed Nelson, Brother Irby, Brother Albert Shepard, Brother N. W. Wimberly, and Brother Wyant Fann. A disagreement in existing land resulted in Rev. Felder leaving to form Union BAPTIST CHURCH which is now known as Greater Union BAPTIST CHURCH . 1911-1915 The CHURCH called Rev. Frank Howard, who reorganized the CHURCH . The brick structure was started and completed. The following officers are listed on the cornerstone, along the building committee: Deacon C. C. Jones, Deacon C. W. Humphreys, Deacon Charles Rountree, Deacon S. Fann, Deacon P. Brown, Deacon Abe Bacon and Deacon A Williams: Due to undesirable circumstances, Rev.

3 Howard left in 1915 and carried some of the members with him. 1915-1928 Rev- H. C. Cain was called to lead the flock. Under his leadership, many members were added to the CHURCH congregation and most of those who left with Rev. Howard returned. 1928-1934 Rev. Charlie Byron was called in 1928 and served faithfully until 1934. 1934 Rev. A E. Smith was called and served one year. 1935 Rev. R W. Wiggins was called to lead the flock. The Deaconess Board was established in 1936. Unfortunately, Rev. Wiggins sewed only one year and was replaced by visiting ministers until 1937. 1937-1948 The CHURCH called Rev. B. G. Stallworth and under his leadership, many members were added to the CHURCH and some improvements were made to the CHURCH .

4 1948-1957 In November of 1948, Rev. B. Johnson was called and under his leadership, the progress of the CHURCH and membership increased. Improvements under his leadership included: Welcome lights, clocks, a pulpit stand, gas heat, and the formation of the B. Johnson Choir which required the purchase of loud speakers. The most outstanding achievement during the time was the organization of the Junior Choir in 1949. The members of the Deacon Board increased from seven to sixteen. Namely: Deacon Edward Lawson (Chairman), Deacon Willie Barham, Deacon George Jones, Deacon Ragin, Deacon W. M. Pierce, Deacon Lee Releford, Deacon Thomas Releford, Deacon Freeman Roberts, Deacon Norman Taylor, Deacon Harrison Dixon, Deacon A G.

5 Garman, and Deacon J. T. Taylor. Rev. B. Johnson served the CHURCH faithfully until his resignation in 1957. The CHURCH was without a pastor in 1958 and a part of 1959. Rev. Orr of Macon, Georgia served as Interim Pastor until July of 1959. 1959-1982 Rev. Daniel Thomas was called as pastor in 1959. The members of the New hope BAPTIST CHURCH pledged their full support to Rev. Thomas_ There was an eighteen member increase in 1960, a twelve member increase in 1961 and a nine member increase in 1962. The total number of deceased members at the time was eleven. Two new deacons were added in 1963, namely, Deacon Peter Brown and Deacon James Ash.

6 Total membership in 1963 was 150 members. Many worthwhile accomplishments took place also. Auxiliaries organized were the Goodwill Club, The Faithful 12, The General Mission and its Circles, the Pastor's Aid Club, Adult Bible Class, and the Floral Club. The annex was completed, which had Sunday School classrooms, choir and usher rooms, offices, and rooms for civic meetings. The kitchen, dining area, and the Pastor's study were furnished. Chairs for the choir stand, new pews, pulpit furniture, a new organ, a piano, microphones, floor coverings and telephones were also purchased. The roof of the CHURCH was recovered, the CHURCH was painted on the inside and central air and heat was installed in the CHURCH .

7 New robes were purchased for the choir and cement walks were placed in the front and on the side of the CHURCH . During the years of 1964-1972, 125 new members were added to the CHURCH roster and 19 members passed away. In 1965, the Junior CHURCH was cancelled. The B. T. U. was organized and CHURCH services began at 11:30 A. M. In 1973, two new deacons were added, James Brown and Herman Kaigler. This increased the Deacon Board membership number to fourteen active deacons. The total number of new members during the year of 1973 was fifteen. Also during that year we had five deceased members. The CHURCH continued to progress under the leadership of Rev.

8 Daniel Thomas. In 1975, the new deacons added were Johnny Fluellen, Johnny Matthews and Charlie Nobles Jr. The Faithful Twelve was reorganized and named "Progressive Workers". A nursery was set up in the annex. During all the years in the past, services were held the first Sunday of each month. In January 1981, a second Sunday of worship was added. The CHURCH began to have worship on first and third Sundays of each month. Rev. Daniel Thomas served faithfully as pastor until his death on March 18, 1982. 1982 The Deacon Board appointed Brother Revere for ninety days to carry on the service of the CHURCH until a pastor was called.

9 The ordination service of Brother John Revere was witnessed under the guidance of Dr. Walter L. Glover, moderator of the Union BAPTIST Missionary and Educational Association of Middle Georgia. One member passed away. 1983 Rev. Dennis Harden was called as pastor in April 1983. The membership of New hope BAPTIST pledged full support to Rev. Harden. Under his leadership the CHURCH went forward with major renovation and financed it through the selling of bonds. The CHURCH became incorporated and is now considered a non-profit organization and is tax-exempt under IRC Section 501 (c)(3) statuses. 1984 The CHURCH renovation was completed and the Nurse's Guild was organized.

10 1985 Improvements continued. Many installations occurred around the CHURCH . The following installations occurred: fan and bulletin board in the lobby, security lights, Public Address system, and a picture over the baptism pool. The Missionary Society was reorganized. 1986 The women and men restrooms, in the front lobby and the restroom in the pastor's study were completed. We also purchased furniture and new carpet for the pastor's study One member was deceased. 1987 Three deacons were added to the Deacon board: Deacon Lawrence Clarington, Deacon Ben Roberts, and Deacon Horace Gilbert. Improvements to the CHURCH continued.