New Hope FreewillBaptist Church HistoryOn December 5, 1965, a group of Christians concerned about becoming an organized church met at the home of Bro. John and Sis. Eliza James. At this meeting under the spiritual leadership of Moderator Henry Randolph, New Hope Freewill Baptist Church was organized. Rev. John O. Randolph was voted in as the 1st Pastor. Deacons were appointed. The first Deacons were John D. James, James D. Harrison, Owen Hill and John H. Sloan. Church Mothers were then appointed. The first Mothers were Bettie B. Sloan, Amy B. Scott, Hannah B. Goodman, Agnes W. McMillian, Lizzie James, Geneva V. Harrison, Eliza James, Smiley M. Randolph and Mamie Bryant. The first Trustees were John D. James, Owen Hill, James D. Harrison, Ernest Harrison, James A. Scott, Ben Scott and John H. Sloan. The Sunday School Department was organized. Mother Bettie Sloan was elected Superintendent. Bro. James A. Scott, Deacon John H. Sloan, Sis. Daisy M. Scott were elected as teachers, and Sis. Victoria Harrison (Evans) was Secretary. An Usher Board was organized and Sis. Corene Harrison was elected as President. The Senior and Junior Choirs were organized. Sis. Rosa Lee Scott was elected as President of the Senior Choir and Sis. Daisy Scott was President of the Junior Choir. Sis. Daisy Scott also served as our first musician. A Pastor's Aide Committee was organized. Sis. Rosa Lee Scott was elected as President. Our 1st Sunday service was held at the home of Bro. Franklin James. The Lord truly blessed us and membership began to grow to the point where we needed to find a larger place to have our fellowship services. The Lord knew our need; He touched the heart of Mother Lizzie James who donated the building known to many as the "Pink" church for worship services to be held. The Lord continued to bless, and the congregation outgrew the "Pink" Church, and a search was begun to find another place for worship. We were blessed to find and purchase the property, and a groundbreaking service was held. Plans were made for construction to bring on a "NEW' church home. On the 3rd Sunday in August 1974, WE marched to the new New Hope Freewill Baptist Church being led by our Pastor, Rev. John O. Randolph and the Rev. R. Wells. As we marched the congregation sang, "When the Saints Go Marching In". Rev. R. Wells preached the first message in our new church facilities and his subject was "Stay on The Rock".   As time passed, God saw fit to elevate Rev. Randolph to the office of Bishop.   Bishop Randolph served faithfully as Pastor for twenty-eight (28) years., When Bishop Randolph retired, Elder Ivory Simmons was elected as Pastor. Pastor Simmons served for six (6) years in this capacity. After Pastor Simmons' tenure, in May of 2000, the Lord sent us our current Pastor, Dr. John H. Brown. We were blessed to have two (2) Associate Pastors, Rev. James O. Gray, and Rev. Willie O. Jenkins; two (2) Youth Ministers, Rev. James (Jimmy) Webb and Rev. R. Anthony Johnson. In 1999, the renovations began on the interior of the church. In the year 2000, the Lord blessed us to have the parking lot paved and to purchase a new church sign. In 2001, we were able to purchase two (2) vans, two (2) copiers, a computer, a microwave oven and chafing dishes. Sidewalks and lighted columns were added.  The front porch was replaced, and siding was placed on our storage building.  In 2002, an icemaker was purchased.  A new church office and Pastor’s study was built.  God blessed us to purchase a new stove, PA system, keyboards, drums, lawn mower and weed eater. In March 2010, a minibus was purchased.   In 2015, the Lord blessed New Hope to purchase and install our new media/sound system, including   six TV monitors, two large screens in the sanctuary.  During 2018, we were blessed to purchase sneeze guards for the food services area, a conventional stove, and a large rice cooker.  In 2019, we purchased a digital sign. Since the Pandemic, New Hope has been able to upgrade the media and computer systems, purchase a new refrigerator.    We are presently focusing on upgrading our Church Ministries which include Deacons, Mothers, Trustees, Choirs and Ushers.  We are also blessed to have the following ministries.  Floral, Women's, Men's, Preacher's Steward, Sick, Program Committee, Finance Committee, Pulpit Aide, Pastor & 1st Lady Support Ministry, Dining Divas and Masters’ Chefs and Youth Department.