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History of New Hope

Rev. William G. Dinkins, along with Rev. C. Crawford, were the first pastors of New Hope Baptist Church, August 1934.

Pastors succeeding Rev. Dinkins were Rev. Joshua Haynes, Rev. William L. Hunt, Rev. Benjamin D. Robinson, Rev. R. C. Morris, Rev. Allen D. Duncan, Rev. John V. Williams, Rev. Donnell Smith, Rev. Derrick Lewis Noble, and current pastor Rev. Howard C. Earle, Jr. Pastors who served as interim leaders were Rev. Marvin Williams, Rev. Roosevelt Hunter and Rev. Dallas Lenear. The founders were Jesse Babers, Mrs. Audrey Babers, Mr. Arthur and Clara Cleveland, Rev. Henry and Mrs. Stevenson, Rev. William and Effie Robinson, Mrs. Bertha Mitchell, Mother Willie Babers Riley, and George Barnwell.

The first service was held at 321 Grandville, August 1934. Construction was completed on a new church home at 25 Finney Avenue and the church moved on December 5, 1937. On April 19, 1964, the church moved to 882 Caulfield and on June 19, 1983, New Hope was blessed with a new expansive location that is currently at 130 Delaware, SW. The church has grown from approximately 25 members in 1934 to 700-800 members in 2008.

The Pastors' vision for New Hope Baptist Church has evolved from "A People Commanded by God, Commanding People to God; New Day, New Life, New Hope to the current vision, "A Place Where Heaven Visits Earth."