THE CHURCH HISTORY of the Greater New Hope Missionary Baptist Church spans a period of seventy-four (74) years. The church was organized in 1938 by the late Rev. W. T. Bolden, in his home on Annie Street. In April of 1938, Rev. Bolden received a telephone call which led to the purchase of the property at 1515 Kennedy Street. Rev. Bolden pastured the church for approximately three (3) years.

In 1941, the late Rev. Bernard Hurd was called. Although his tenure as pastor was brief, he succeeded in giving the congregation new inspiration. The membership increased, and Greater New Hope Missionary Baptist Church was able to see the future, of what had been a struggling mission.

In the fall of 1942, the late Rev. L. P. Mitchell was called and the Greater New Hope Missionary Baptist Church continued to progress. Rev. Mitchell encouraged an extensive building program which included the completion of a totally remodeled sanctuary and the construction of an educational building. Rev. Mitchell served as devoted pastor and leader for twenty-five (25) years.

Interim Pastor, Rev. Henry Rayford, presided until Rev. J. W. Brumfield was called. Rev. Brumfield pastured the church for two (2) years.

In March 1972, Rev. W. H. Miller was called to pastor Greater New Hope. During his leadership, he was responsible for countless accomplishments including extensive church remodeling (paneling, major repairs, acquisition of surrounding lots, church van and musical instruments). Rev. Miller worked continuously with city officials to improve the area – including the paving of East Rosedale Street.

On October 25, 1980 at 2:30 AM, the church building at 1515 Kennedy was completely destroyed by fire. Rev. T. H. Davis and the Rising Star Baptist Church family graciously extended an invitation for us to worship in their facilities. Worship services continued at Rising Star for eight (8) weeks.

In January 1981 the present facility located at 3920 East Rosedale Street was acquired. Renovations and improvements were constant and blessings flowed abundantly. As a direct result of increase in membership and dedication by those members, the building was completely bricked in 1993-1994 and the church note was paid off in September 1996.

In May 1999, Pastor Miller’s health began to fail and he became Pastor Emeritus. In December 12, 1999, Rev. D. Bryan Ford was called to serve as Interim Pastor until his ordination on December 31, 2000. Reverend Ford’s name was entered into the records as the Pastor of the Greater New Hope Missionary Baptist Church on January 9, 2001.

GREATER NEW HOPE MISSONARY BAPTIST CHURCH:

 Where UNCONDITIONAL Love is Taught, Preached, and Practiced!

On November 13^th, 2002, the Lord led us

to call a minister, Reverend Ivy Haynes, Jr., who had been serving at the Mount Horum Missionary Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas under the pastorage of Reverend F. S. Moody, Sr.

Reverend Ivy Haynes, Jr. was installed as the Pastor of the Greater New Hope Missionary Baptist Church on April 13^th,

2003.  During his pastoral leadership, Pastor Haynes has been a faithful servant to God and a leader to the Greater New Hope Church family and community. 

Through the leadership and guidance of the Holy Spirit, Pastor Haynes, has been a great inspiration in the spiritual growth of the members at the Greater New Hope Baptist Church.    

As an obedient servant to God, Pastor Haynes, has shared and implemented new ministries within the church.  The Sunday school ministry has expanded from four to eight classes which includes an orientation class for new members.  We have established a Sunday morning breakfast fellowship at 8:30 AM each Sunday. Under the direction of Pastor Haynes, an outreach ministry has also been established for sick and shut-in members.  A food pantry has been added to assist those that are in need. The Church facilities have undergone significant aesthetic physical updates, and there a more in the plan.

The attendance in our Sunday worship service and Wednesday night Bible study has increased, as well as the established MISSION Bible study program.  

God has given the Greater New Hope Church family increase in our membership. Pastor Haynes, has baptized converts and there has been several new members added to the church roll. Also many members have rededicated their lives to Christ.

Two Deacons (Bro. Melvin Miller and Bro. George Ross, emeritus) have been ordained and a Deaconess Ministry has been established under the leadership of Pastor Haynes.

God provided all these great blessings to us for which we are grateful under the leadership of seven (8) pastors in the seventy-four (74) year history of the Greater New Hope Missionary Baptist Church.