The History
Of
New Hope Baptist Church
“Caring, Sharing and Spreading the Good News about Jesus”
On November 5, 1892 New Hope Baptist Church (NHBC) originated from a prayer band of dedicated Christians. The Prayer Band rapidly and later became a Community Bible Class. Classes and worship services were held at Sloss-Sheffield Iron Company. Male members of the Bible Class formed a committee to move the services from the Sloss-Sheffield location. The first HNBC building was located at 3431 Second Avenue North, Birmingham. During the organization the church was under the leadership of Rev. King Nelson from 1892 to 1895. Reverend Nelson remained pastor until his death in May 1895.
Since its inception in 1892, NHBC has been under the leadership of ten pastors, all dedicated to the work of the Lord. A brief chronological history follows:
1896-1899
1899-1902
1902-1904
1904-1906
1907-1921
1921-1932
1933-1945
For almost a year, the church was without a leader.
1946-1986
Dr. Gregory L. Clarke was elected tenth pastor of New Hope Baptist Church on October 21, 1986. And on November 2, 1986, Reverend Clarke preached his first sermon. The subject of his first message was, “Middle Ways the Ladder”. Reverend Gregory L. Clarke was officially installed January 1, 1987. He came to the church young, vigorous and with a great zeal to serve. The church membership received him and pledged their support. Numerous accomplishments have been wrought during Pastor Clarke’s leadership. Some of these, to name a few, include: Establishment of the Christian Board of Education, New Hope Christian School (K-5), Membership Revitalization Committee, Golden Age, a monthly newsletter, reorganization of the Board of Mission and Youth Department, new member orientation classes, extended weekly prayer service to include Wednesday night worship service, increased kindergarten enrollment to 90% and the Herman Stone Mass Choir by 200%; established the Prison ministry, Elder Care and Nursing Home Ministry, radio broadcast, expanded parking area, established several scholarship funds, economic development ministry, media ministry; increased the membership tremendously. Expansions include: Family Life Center, totally remodeled sanctuary with new pews and carpet; Computer Center for school, library, book store, building to house the Daycare; building to house the Preschool; a community based Federal Credit Union, Mission House, Garden of Hope Senior Citizen Housing Facility, a Senior Citizens Recreational Center and a second location for worship – New Hope Baptist Church South Avondale.1986 – Present
Reflection
Our Heritage has proven to be fruitful. Through faith and works of God has allowed New Hope to prosper. The hard work of the pioneers of New Hope has paved the way for us today. As we look ahead to the future, we must always hold to the blessings of the past and keep the legacy of New Hope Baptist Church alive in generations to come. The motto of the church, “Caring, Sharing and Spreading the Good News about Jesus”, must forever be held in each of our hearts and practiced in our daily live.