In 1913, Rev. John Lucious McBride, an associate minister of the Mount Olive Baptist Church, was asked by that congregation and its Pastor, Rev. Borders to begin a mission in the East End section of the city, then known as “Polock Town” which was thickly settled with Polish people.

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            Rev. McBride called the few Baptist Christians together, who were living in this section, and a mission was organized December 12, 1913 with Mount Olive serving as the mother church. Founding members of the mission were Rev. Newton Gurley, Mary Gurley, Isaiah Petty, Sis. Jessie B. Petty, Jake Robinson, Sam Douglas, Mary Douglas, Jim Gaston, Mary Gaston, Jim Jernigan, Mary Jernigan, Sis. “Babe” Miller, Larry McDavid, Canary McDavid, and Mother Buchanan.

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            These few faithful and dedicated members worked untiringly and more members were added to the mission’s roll during its first year.   The following converts were part of the first baptismal service: Sis. Bobbie Haywood Thomas, Andrew Holt, Rev. Calvin Fearn, and Arthur Jordan.

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            In 1914, a council was called consisting of the following Baptist pastors: Rev. Borders of Mount Olive, Rev. John DeShields of St. Paul, Rev. McClain of Pilgrim,  Rev. J. Lampley, then Moderator of New Salem District Association, sponsored the young church.  The newly organized church adopted the name New Hope Baptist Church, approving a suggestion made by Mother Buchanan.

 

“The voice of the pulpit sounded in

the pew, the people rose to action:

New Hope was born, but not without

a struggle with opposition, the chief

enemy of all progress.”

 

            Men down through the ages have been skeptical of progress and New Hope was no different in its infancy.  Opposition felt that “the time was not ripe” to build New Hope in 1914.

Faith knew that it could be done.  Opposition felt that there weren’t enough Baptists in this part of town to support a church – but progress demanded that New Hope would be. Stepping out on Faith, supported by Courage, Hope, and Love, fifteen people removed the doubts, fears, and stingy pockets of the few and New Hope was born in 1914 and built in 1916.