New Hope Baptist Church is the outgrowth of a group of Christian followers that were formerly members of New Emmanuel Baptist Church of Newport News, VA.  These members saw the need to establish a new place of worship.  The impact of this spiritual interest in them and the people of this community were so extensive that in 1967, The New Hope Baptist Church was organized.

 

A small group under the leadership of Reverend C.B. Potts met in a little store on North Avenue with the consent of the proprietor, the late Mr. James Wynn.  Services were later held at Carver High School.  They met in the presence of the Lord to organize their group of wandering missionaries.  Plans were made to continue their togetherness until a more suitable location could be found for worship services.

 

The group’s first objective was to select a name.  Mrs. Mary Walker suggested and with the agreement of the other members, “New Hope” was adopted as the name for their little mission.  Their hope was greater than ever before and the theme song was “My Hope is built on Nothing Less than Jesus Blood and Righteousness”.

 

The mission began with fifty members at inception.  Brother Truitt Griffin was elected Church School Superintendent; Mrs. Eva Bowman, Music Directress; Mrs. Seana Guthrie, Church Clerk, and Mrs. Mary Walker, President of the Missionary Circle.

 

In October 1967, the group moved to the Taborian Hall located on Madison Avenue as they continued to seek more spiritual guidance for the continuation of God’s work.  In an effort to have the mission set apart as a church, the group sought the help and advice of the Baptist Council in 1968 that was under the leadership of Dr. W. M. Brown, Pastor of First Baptist Church East End, Newport News, VA.  The following churches participated in this endeavor:  Ivy Baptist Church, Zion Baptist Church, First Baptist Jefferson Park, and Faith Baptist Church.  The council voted that New Hope Mission would become New Hope Baptist Church.

 

On Easter morning, April 10, 1969, the Reverend C.B. Potts, our first pastor, led us into our first edifice.  Under his administration, the following items of furniture were purchased:  pulpit furniture, deacon’s chairs, Holy Communion table, a piano, and a mimeograph machine.  The first choir, The Young Adult Choir was formed.  Church membership increased greatly.  A recommendation was presented to the church that Truitt Griffin, formerly a deacon at Emmanuel Baptist Church, become a deacon at New Hope Baptist Church.  The recommendation was accepted.  After the resignation of Rev. Potts, Reverend W.W. Butler served as supply pastor for four months.  During his tenure, Bro. Dennis Singleton, Sr. and Brother Alfred Goodhope were ordained as deacons.

 

On April 13, 1970, upon recommendation of the church, Reverend G.I. Melton became supply pastor.  On May 17, 1970, he became supply pastor and was installed in October of the same year.  The late Kermit Weaver, formerly a deacon at Rising Sun Baptist Church was accepted as a deacon at New Hope.  The Lord also blessed us to ordain Brother Frank Hooper as a deacon.

 

Under Pastor Melton’s administration, the following accomplishments were made:  construction of a driveway (in memory of the late Kermit Weaver), a bulletin board, a pastor’s study, addition of a new room, painting of the church exterior, and remodeling of the bulletin board.  These purchases were made:  pulpit lamp, silver water glasses and pitcher set, a clock, a communion set, hymnals, pastor’s robe, junior choir robes, a lot and house in back of the church.  The house was used as the educational building.  Gravel and rocks were purchased to repair the church parking lot and a new mimeograph machine was bought.

 

Deacon Frank Hooper was appointed Chairman of the Trustee Ministry.  Thirty-seven members joined our church during 1973.  During 1973, the church accomplished the following:  installation of a heating/air conditioning system, paneling of the sanctuary, the purchase of new chairs, installation of the baptismal pool, and organization of the recreation department.  Our church gained several new ministries since we were first organized; Deaconess Ministry, Senior Choir, Junior/Senior Ushers’ Ministry, Missionary Circle, Training Union, and a Children’s Choir.  We were members of the Church School Union and the Baptist Training Union.

 

During 1974-75 the following accomplishments were made:  Repair to the educational building and churchyard, a nursery and necessary equipment was purchased.  The Junior Missionary and Pastor’s Aide Club were organized.  In 1981, the Junior Missionary Ministry was changed to Girls in Action.

 

We were blessed with the addition of Brother McWilliams to our Trustee Ministry; Deacon Edward and Deaconess Tullie Melton (formerly of Macedonia Baptist Church) became Deacon and Deaconess respectively.  Thirty-two members were added to the church roll.  During the summer, our baseball team won the championship trophy from the Baptist Training Union and Sunday School Union Leagues.

 

During the next two years (1975-1976), we were blessed with 56 members being added to the church and one associate minister, Minister Samuel Benson.  The following accomplishments were made:  installation of outside floodlight, public address system, purchase of the pastor’s robe, and the burning of the mortgage for the educational building.

 

In 1976-77, God wonderfully blessed us.  Under the leadership of Pastor G.I. Melton as he was guided by God, we purchased offering plates, new robes for the Little People’s Choir and twenty-five chairs were purchased.  God also blessed us with the addition of 67 members to the church roll, organization of the Children’s Church Ministry by Minister Samuel Benson, startup of the Transportation Ministry, and the organization of the Voices of New Hope.  We were also blessed with the ordination of two deacons; Samuel Goodhope and Ivan Harris.

 

Under the leadership of Pastor Melton, Minister Ivan Harris was ordained and Minister Joseph Tarpley was licensed to preach the gospel.  A station wagon was also donated by the Jones Family to help with transportation.

 

Our concern for expansion was shared by the majority of members.  In 1980, under the leadership of Pastor Melton, the groundbreaking ceremony took place and construction began on the new sanctuary.  On June 1, 1981, the Lord saw fit to take our Pastor home to glory.  On August 13, 1981, seeing that we were like sheep in need of a shepherd, the church agreed upon the laying of the cornerstone -1981.   We celebrated the completion of our new sanctuary by marching into our dedication service on Sunday, August 30, 1981.

 

Minister Ivan Harris was voted as Pastor on March 18, 1982 and was installed on Sunday, May 16, 1982.  Under Pastor Harris’ leadership many accomplishments were made and many souls led to Christ.  A church bus, new choir robes, and a new organ were purchased (in memory of the late Chelsie Griffin).  The Alfred Goodhope Fellowship Hall was named and dedicated.  William Smith, Kim Bones, Reginald Lee, and the late James Mason were ordained as Deacons.  Deacon James Sledge, a former deacon at New Emmanuel was also accepted as a Deacon at New Hope Baptist Church.

 

Under Pastor Harris’ administration, Edward Melton, Kim Bones (ordained in 1985), Leon Townes, and Reginald Lee were licensed to preach the gospel.  The following ministries were added to the church:  Hospitality Club, the I.T. Harris Chorus, the Acteens (missionary group).  The Pastor’s Aide Club was reinstated.  The Annual Gospel Festival was established.  The spring and youth revivals were added to the church calendar.

 

In 1985 under Minister Harris, Minister Joseph Tarpley was ordained.  The Lord has continued to shower us with His blessings.  We gained three young Deacons in training:  Timothy Davidson, Robert Miles, and Phillip Brown; four trustees Leo Wynn, Reginald Fullwood, Michael Frazier, and William Askew.

 

As God continued to guide us, we instituted an evangelism team to spread the word about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Through this ministry, many have heard about the Lord and came to seek salvation.  We were blessed with the addition of Brother and Sister McDaniels as Deacon and Deaconess.  We have been blessed with constant additional members as they seek the Lord.

 

In 1987 we added bookcases in the Pastor’s study and the Deacons Room.  We have also had a trophy case added to the fellowship hall to house the many trophies and awards of which we are so proud.  We paid off the mortgage on our new sanctuary and purchased a new church van.  Three ministers were ordained; Reverends Edward Melton, Reginald Lee, and Leon Townes.  The Brother Hood Crusaders, a Christian men’s group has been organized at New Hope.  Brother Leo Wynn was appointed Chairman of the Trustee Board.

 

In 1988 we were truly blessed by God.  Brothers James Flippen, Timothy Davidson, and Lee Ross were added to the Deacon Board.  Many souls were saved, and the Gospel carried throughout the community.  In August, our Pastor was called to another church.  But through every hardship God always has a way to bring victory.  This has united New Hope with the determination to carry on God’s work.

 

The year is 1989 and New Hope has come through another year victoriously!  We are still without a Pastor, but not without a leader, because God is directing each step we take.  This year the church has built an office in the fellowship hall and hired a secretary.  The parking lot has been paved, and a wheelchair ramp added to the side entrance of the sanctuary.  More importantly, God has continued to bless us with new members and rededications from present members.  Deacon James Flippen, Timothy Davidson, and Lee Ross were ordained.  Sisters Allison Davidson and Linda Ross were added to the Deaconess Board.

 

Our pulpit committee was busy looking for a Pastor.  In July 1989, God sent Reverend Virgil J. Newkirk as a supply Pastor.  During this time God spoke to us through this man and in October, accepted our offer to become the Pastor.  On January 14, 1990 he was installed.  God has since really opened up the windows and showered us with blessings upon blessings.  Under Pastor Newkirk’s leadership we have added new lighting to the sanctuary, installed a lighted name sign, and built a flower garden to beautify our landscape.  We also gained an associate minister by the name of Reverend Elizabeth Horton.  In August 1991, Reverend Michael Duncan preached his first service.

 

In 1992-93, the New Hope Church family could be found tending their Father’s business.  In November, three of our Deacons were honored as Deacon Emeritus:  Deacon Alfred Goodhope, Truitt Griffin, and Watson McDaniel.  In February, Brother Timothy Bridges was ordained as a Deacon and Sister Cynthia Bridges as Deaconess.  We purchased monogrammed T-Shirts with the church’s name and theme, enabling us to proudly represent our church.  We renovated the fellowship hall with new flooring and curtain room dividers that allowed quieter classrooms for Sunday school.

 

On November 10, 1994, an anointed man of God came to New Hope Baptist Church in the person of Minister Christopher C. Carter.  Seeing God shine through Minister Christopher C. Carter, on January 15, 1995, he was installed as Pastor.  Under Pastor Carter’s leadership, the church has grown spiritually and numerically.  The following items were purchased for the improvement of the church:  organ, drums, and a new sound system.  Cosmetic repairs were done to beautify the inside and outside of the church.  Under Pastor Carter, the church acquired new property across the street in order to create a church parking lot and purchased a new van for the transportation ministry.

 

The following ministries were added:  Women’s Fellowship, Men’s Fellowship, Tutorial Ministry, Evangelism Team, Seniors’ Ministry, and noon day bible study.  The Children’s Church Ministry and New Member’s classes were also re-established.  Under Pastor Carter, Ernie L. Murray, Jr. was ordained as a minister and Dennis Ruffin, William Askew, Rambert Johnson, Michael Frazier, Timmy Askew, Jerome Gillis, Thomas Jones, Stanley Payne, Samuel Tyree, and Gregory Dockery were ordained as Deacons.  Victoria Askew, Wanda Gillis, Andrea Jones, Virginia Bell, Arletha Dockery, Tadessa Payne, and Felisha Tyree were added to the Deaconess Ministry.

 

Under the direction of the Holy Spirit Rambert Johnson, Michael Frazier, Dennis Ruffin, Jean Johnson, and Victoria Askew were called to minister through the preaching of God’s Word.  Michael Frazier was licensed in September 1999; Rambert Johnson was in May, 2000; Jean Johnson in December 2002; Dennis Ruffin in April 2003, and Victoria Askew in May 2003.

 

God has done so many things for this ministry, and we are looking forward to more great things to come; God has blessed us with several more Deacons and Deaconesses to be the armor bearers, he has blessed us with (walking Deacons) Joe Grier and Sanford Womack, (walking Deaconesses) Marguerite Bailey, Joyce Ashley, Virginia Bell, Tammy Grier, and Linda Womack.

 

He has also brought to the fold two anointed persons and each has preached their initial sermons and is now part of the ministry team by the names of Carlon Myrick and Felicia Wilkins, both ordained in 2004.

 

In 2005, we brought into the Deacon Ministry, Deacons Joseph Grier and Sanford Womack. and the Deaconess Ministry, Deaconesses Marguerite Bailey, Joyce Ashley, Tammy Grier, Virginia Bell, and Linda Womack.

 

In the latter part of 2005, God opened the door for us to receive Ministers in Training by way of Sister Hope Harper, Deaconess Debra Ruffin, and Brother Michael Jackson.

 

Because of the faith of our Pastor and the New Hope Baptist Church family new organizations were added:  Acteen Ministry, New Members Coordinator, Church Coordinator, First Family Care, and After Care Ministries.

 

Due to the growth of the ministry, New Hope Baptist Church voted on the fourth Sunday in January 2001 to build a new edifice.

 

Because of the great works that God has allowed us to accomplish under the leadership of Pastor Carter, New Hope Baptist Church has embarked on a spiritual journey which has taken us and will continue to take us to higher heights.

 

Through much prayer and God’s blessings we broke ground for our new edifice in 2004 at 1415 Big Bethel Road, Hampton, VA.  We marched into the new church on July 30, 2006.  Our future vision is to complete phases II and III which will be home to a new gymnasium with indoor track, full service exercise room, fourteen classrooms with internet capability in each classroom, library/computer center, board rooms offices, full service kitchen, a bookstore, and a dining hall that will accommodate five hundred persons.

 

New Hope ordained two new Deacons and two new Deaconess’ on February 11, 2007; Donald Hall, George Johnson, Wardean Hall, and Kim Johnson.  We know that God isn’t through with us and he has an abundance of blessings in store for us as we walk in the obedience to his commands.

 

Brother Franklin Spruill and Sister Dinah Spruill are now waling in the Deacon and Deaconess Ministry.  An abundance of new members has cast their lots with us since we have been here at this location.  We have two Living Charter members:  Trustee Emeritus James Swann and Sister Georgianna Swann.

 

Our Deacon and Deaconess Ministries have grown over the past few years and we are currently blessed to have Deacon Jasper Blount as the Chairman of the Deacon Ministry; and Deaconess Jacqueline Blount as President of the Deaconess Ministry. 

 

We thank God in all things and for all things.  To God be the glory for the great things He has done and is continuing to do.  Pray for the New Hope Baptist Church family as we soar to greater heights in the Lord!