NEW HOPE BAPTIST CHURCH HISTORY

In the year 1857, the New Hope Baptist Church set sail out on the Ocean of Life with Jesus Christ as captain.  The record shows that this church was not always in its present location but located about ½ mile from here and was known as Bush Harbor.

Rev. Blanding was the first Pastor. There is no indication just how long we stayed there, but later the Pastor, Officers, and Congregation thought it was time to build a church. After the building was completed, we moved to our present location with Rev. William Wallace as pastor.

At this time Deacon R. B. Hall suggested the new edifice be called “New Hope Baptist Church” because everyone had high hopes for the future. The past pastors include: Rev. Blanding, Rev. Wallace, Rev. M.R. Newsome, Rev. J.L. Harris, Rev. T.L. Mason, Rev. M.C. Allen, Rev. R.B. Page, Rev. L.E. Kaiser, Rev. W.H. Winston, Rev. E.E. Hicks, Rev. Dr. Linwood A. James, Sr., Rev. John A. Wynn and Rev. H. Patrick Cason.

Past clerks include: Deacon R.B. Hall, Deacon Percy Massenberg, Deacon J. F. Newsome, Sr., Deacon Thomas Hines, Deacon J. F. Newsome, Jr., and Deaconess Marian L. Newsome.

Some of the past Deacons in addition to those who held the position of church clerk were: Deacons Willard Hall, Richard Claiborne, Caleb Spencer, Melvin Parham, James Cargill, B.J. Artis, Edward H. Minnicks, T. Howard Wooten, Herman D. Spencer, Alexander Cargill, Lernie C. Blowe, Melvin Tate, A. Gurley, P.R. Harrison, William Allen Stith, G. Lewis, W. Blakes, Emmitt Davis, Cloyd D. Hines, James Reed, Sr., Keith Blowe, and James Spencer, Sr.

Past Trustees include: Leffy Hall, Lee Lawrence Gilliam, Willie N. Stith, Richard Reed, Hailes Parham, Willie G. Stith, Roper A. Stith, James P. Stith and James Burrow. 

Past Treasurer’s include Hailes Parham, Sister Inell S. Moody and Deacon Ernest R. Massenberg, Jr. past Assistant Treasurer, Sis. Barbara Blakes.  Past Financial Secretary’s include Deaconess Mamie E. Hamilton, and Sis. DeCarla Doxey.

The first known Senior Choir was organized under the leadership of Rev. M.C. Allen.  The Usher Board was established under the leadership of Rev. Page.  During the tenure of Rev. Kaiser and Rev. Hicks, there were several renovations on the church, and the “Busy Bee Circle” was organized.

Rev. Dr. Linwood A. James Sr. served us faithfully for 29 years.  Many wonderful things were accomplished at New Hope under his leadership.  The ministry was increased by the addition of Rev. Claude W. Parham, Rev. Michael Stith and Rev. Darrell Jones. Several Choirs and Auxiliaries were established: The L.A. James Inspirational Choir, The Young Travelers, The Sunbeams, The Junior Usher Board, and Soldiers for Christ Men’s Chorus. The Willing Worker’s, Pastors Aid, Flower Club, Nurses Unit, and Bible Study classes were added. The Deaconess Ministry was reorganized. 

Due to the growth of the church, an Assistant Treasurer and Assistant Clerk were added.  Also, under Dr. James’ leadership, additions and renovations were accomplished. A piano and drum set were purchased, pews were padded, carpet installed, and a fellowship hall added. Trustee Barbara S. Blakes donated an organ.  On April 13, 1997, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for our new sanctuary and on May 3, 1998 a dedication service for our new edifice was held.  Due to the increase in size of the new church, Sis.Susie Gilliam retired as the church custodian. She had served us faithfully for 26 years (1972 – 1998). On May 30, 1999 Evangelist Florence Parham-Chambliss, preached her Initial Sermon. On July 19, 1999, the parking lot was paved, and the PA system was upgraded. On December 21, 2001 an Appreciation/Farewell service was given for Rev. Dr. & First Lady Linwood A. James, Sr., for 29 years of faithful service; (1972-2001).  We thank GOD for the increase through Pastor and First Lady James.

During our three years (2001 – 2004) without a pastor, the officers and members worked hard to keep our church together. Through prayers, fasting and the grace and mercy of our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ, we were able to weather the storm. 

In March of 2004, the LORD sent us a new leader, Rev. John A. Wynn.  Under the Leadership of Rev. Wynn, GOD continued to increase the capacity for ministry with: Rev. William N. Blakes, Evangelist Florence Chambliss (first female ordained), Rev. Deborah Nunnally-Blowe, and Rev. Margaret Jones.  To our Diaconate Ministry the following were added; Brothers Keith Blowe, James Reed Sr., and Sister Ellen G. Boone (first female Deacon).  Added to the Deaconess Ministry were: Sisters Nancy Massenburg and C. Elizabeth Minor.  Sisters Dessie Mills, Stephanie Johnson, Stephanie C. Moore, and Brother Montague Gilliam were added to the Trustee Ministry.

All worship services were changed to 11:00 a.m. Praise and Worship service was implemented. The Fourth Sunday Morning Service and Volunteer Choir were added. GOD also allowed us to enhance the facility in which we worship.  Handrails leading to the pulpit were installed; a new sound system and Hammond organ were purchased.  Services can now be viewed via the audio-visual viewing system in the fellowship hall as well as audio recorded.  The LORD has surely added unto our church.

In August of 2009, an Appreciation service was given for Rev. & First Lady John A. Wynn for 5 years and 5 months of pastoring our church. We thank GOD for the many blessings.

On January 1, 2011, the LORD sent us Rev. H. Patrick Cason. Our church family and Pastor Cason began a new year focusing on what GOD would have us to do in order that we work for HIS Glory.  Rev. H. Patrick Cason was installed as New Hope’s 13^th Pastor on May 22, 2011. To GOD be the Glory!

Under the leadership of Pastor Cason, GOD continued to enlarge our territory.  We were blessed with an increase in ministerial leadership; Rev. Chiniqua Jones, Minister C. Elizabeth Minor, Minister Sheila Trimiew-Johnson, and Minister Ramona Raines. Deacon Michael Moody was added to the Diaconate Ministry. Deaconess Alma H. Green and Stephanie U. Johnson were added to the Deaconess Ministry. Brother Leon Taylor was added to the Trustee ministry. New programs were initiated such as Intercessory Prayer, Ministerial Training Classes, Military Appreciation Day and a Bible Study curriculum was implemented. The Bible study on Wednesday night was enhanced with “Worship on Wednesday” (WOW) once a month. Our outreach ministry added a Prayer Line every Monday morning at 6:00 a.m., a quarterly Newsletter and more community involvement. Pastor Cason designed a Branded Logo and a website (www.thenewhopebaptistchurch.com). The Men’s Chorus was reactivated. One of our greatest accomplishments included burning the mortgage on August 5th, 2012.  Memberships increased by 13 and 4 babies were dedicated. To GOD be the Glory!

On August 8, 2015, the LORD Blessed Pastor Cason with a spirit filled helpmate: formally LaTora Mathews, (affectionately known as “Lady T”) and a lovely daughter Miss Niarra Ford.  On September 25, 2016, Pastor Cason preached his last sermon as pastor of New Hope Baptist Church. We thank God for his years of service at the New Hope Baptist Church.

On March 25, 2018, the LORD sent us Rev. Jameson K. McLaughlin, First Lady Phaedra, daughter Charis Laelle, twin sons Jacob Alexander and Joshua Keith McLaughlin. We truly thank God for his blessings. On September 16, 2018, Pastor McLaughlin was installed as the 14^th Pastor of the New Hope Baptist Church.  We are excited that we have a Shepherd to lead us as we began Pastor and People working together, doing it God’s way! 

Eleven (11) new members joined our church. Minister Darren Hill was added as the Youth Minister. An additional prayer line was added at 6 p.m. each Wednesday evening. Noonday bible study was revised, and noonday communion was held once a month for seniors and those who work in the surrounding area. Pastor McLaughlin reestablished our website under the domain newhopebaptistwaverly.org; Facebook page under New Hope Baptist Church Waverly – #thereisnohopelikenewhope. We can also be found on Instagram at nohopelikenewhope. Online giving is now available through Givelify and Cash App. Worship and Praise services were added the first Wednesday of each month. To commemorate 9/11, all area first responders are being recognized each year. Children’s church was added to 2nd and 4th Sunday services. Pop-Up Church was established in 2019 to have church outside of the church walls. Tiger Day was added as a day set aside especially for Sussex Central School system and staff to be recognized. Pastor McLaughlin is an active participant with the Sussex County School System and in the Sussex County community. Pastor McLaughlin believes that “prayer” is the key!  

This year has been one where Pastor McLaughlin has continued to show true leadership and the ability to adapt! With the outbreak of Covid-19 (Coronavirus) in early March 2020, Pastor McLaughlin and the church leadership decided that the way we worship had to change.  New Hope Baptist Church continues to have worship, but outside via drive-up services (weather permitting).  Worship services and Bible Study can be viewed via Facebook and YouTube.  Sunday school and the Prayer Line continue to be available via the conference call line.  

Sunday, September 26, 2021 was Minister Darrin Hill’s last Sunday as the Youth Minister of the New Hope Baptist Church. We thank God for his years of service as our Youth Minister.

On Sunday, March 19, 2023, Pastor Jameson K. McLaughlin preached his last sermon as Pastor of New Hope Baptist Church. We thank God for his service.

GOD has been awesome to the New Hope Baptist Church Family. We thank GOD for our heritage and sustaining Grace and Mercy to New Hope for 165 years. We are living witnesses of GOD’s promise. We are The New Hope Baptist Church and believe that Jesus gives New Hope and there’s No Hope like New Hope!