Welcome to New Hope Full Gospel Baptist Church!

The New Hope Experience began in the mid-20th century on Friday, January 8, 1954 in the home of Mrs. Sarah Young, who resided at 900 Pennsylvania Avenue N. E. Rev. L. M. Walker, pastor of the Fruit Avenue Baptist church, presided over the organization meeting.  He read and explained the 18^th Articles of Faith.  Then, he read and explained the Church Covenant. Mother Sarah Young, as she was called, named the new church “New Hope Missionary Baptist Church.”  Members of the Council at this meeting were:  Rev. L. M. Walker, Pastor of Fruit Avenue Baptist; Rev. J. S. Patten, Pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church; Rev. Ralph Hunn, Pastor of Mt. View Baptist Church; Brother Joe B. Hill, Chairman of the Deacon Board of Fruit Avenue Baptist Church; Brother J. T. Corlis, Chairman of the Trustee Board of Fruit Avenue Baptist Church; Brother Kenneth Lisbel, Layman; Rev. W. W. Williams, Pastor of the Macedonia Baptist Church.  Also present at this organizational meeting were the individuals who would be called the “Charter Members.” They were: Brother Frank Adams, Brother Theodore Pope; Brother Don Thedford, Brother Roy Palmer, Sr., Brother Julius Abraham, Sister Sarah Young, Sister Ever Mae Morgan, Sister Edna Ligon, Sister Mary Palmer, Sister Betty Gatlin, Sister Brady Gatlin, Rev. Earnest Smith.  Rev. Earnest Smith, an Airman Stationed at Kirtland Air Force Base, was elected as the first pastor.  The first business meeting was held on January 13, 1954.  

The second location for worship Services was an adobe building about 9x12 feet in size located just west of the property of 1103 Texas N. E.  After purchasing two lots at 1103 Texas N. E., a barracks building was purchased, to be placed at the back of the lots.  This building was later used as a multi-purpose room.  After a few months, Rev. Smith was transferred to Alaska to continue his service in the United States Air Force. The church then called Rev. R. L. Brown, Jr. as pastor and he served until July, 1963.  The main structure at 1103 Texas N. E., was built under his administration and has been improved several times.  Other pastors were as follows: Rev. A. K. Patton (July, 1963 – December 1966), Rev. C. D. Mangram     (April, 1967 – 1976), Rev. David Teague, Sr. (April 16, 1976 – July 1, 1979), and Rev. Marion L. Jones (December 1, 1979 – August 18, 1991). 

Rev. David C. Cooper was elected as pastor on April 3, 1992.  His first sermon as pastor was on April 5, 1992.  He was installed on May 24, 1992.  Exodus Day, March 7, 1993, marked a new era for the church, as New Hope celebrated its 39^th Church Anniversary in its new church home at 1901 Pennsylvania N. E.  Launched on this day was the vision God had given to Pastor Cooper.  A new ministry free from tradition began to unfold, emphasized by its theme:  2 Corinthians 3:17, “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”

Since that time, we have learned that along with the liberty that comes from walking in the Spirit comes responsibility, commitment, and sacrifice.  Yes, we are free in Jesus, but just as He was misunderstood by friends and family, sometimes we are too.  Real ministry costs you something.  Each of us must be willing to carry our own cross to be a disciple of Jesus.  To become a 5 Star Church we have to crucify mediocrity and embrace the high calling of excellence.  We really need to experience the Power of ONE, while marching into the next dimension of ministry!  Today, Bishop David C. Cooper and Co-Pastor, Elder Nina Cooper are leading the way for us to be the best we can be, by helping us to reach our potential, while serving people better and glorifying God.  God Bless!