[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 119 (Wednesday, September 11, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1294-E1296]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING NEW HOPE BAPTIST CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 11, 2013

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor New 
Hope Baptist Church Jackson, Mississippi.
  On April 13, 1913 Reverend Cassie organized New Hope Baptist Church 
along with seven members in the home of Mrs. Ida Taylor of Whitfield 
Mills Road, Jackson, Mississippi. Reverend Spencer Taylor succeeded 
Pastor Cassie in 1914 and served the growing congregation as pastor for 
ten years. The church relocated to the corner of Holmes and Spring 
Streets when Reverend Nick Bradley was called to pastor. During 
Reverend Bradley's administration, the church moved to Whitfield Mills 
Road.
  Following Reverend Bradley's death in 1924, his son, Reverend E. M. 
H. Bradley, was called to pastor and served until his death in 1944.
  Reverend G.C. Hunte became the fifth pastor of New Hope Church in 
1944. Under his leadership, the church began its first financial drive 
with a goal of securing funds to build a new facility. Construction 
began in 1950 on Whitfield Mills Road. On May 1, 1955, construction was 
completed and the congregation moved to its new facility at 2355 
Whitfield Mills Road. Reverend Hunte faithfully served the congregation 
until his death in 1973. In addition to spiritual leadership, Reverend 
Hunte was a good steward who, upon his death, left the church debt 
free.
  Reverend E.C. Burns became pastor in November 1973, and served until 
June 1979. During his administration, the membership nearly doubled to 
750; additional property was purchased; a church constitution was 
written; and a new order of service was implemented.
  On February 1, 1980, Reverend Jerry Young began his administration as 
the seventh pastor of New Hope Baptist Church. Reverend Young, a 
dynamic and expository preacher, lead the church in tremendous growth 
and opportunity for ministry and outreach. Realizing such tremendous 
growth, with vision and foresight, Reverend Young led the church in 
purchasing a new facility at 5202 Watkins Drive. The first worship 
service in the new facility was held in March 1981. The Deacon's Family 
plan, ``The Shepherd's Plan,'' became operational.
  In July 1982, the New Hope Kindergarten and Day Care Center was 
established with an ultimate vision of developing a Christian School. 
New Hope Kindergarten and Day Care Center began serving children ages 3 
through 5.``A Going Church to Meet the Coming Christ,'' a phrase coined 
by Reverend Young, became the motto of the church and was indicative of 
the thrust of the total ministry. Membership at New Hope reached 1000 
in 1983.
  The first Pictorial Directory was published in 1984, and by 1985, the 
church celebrated the liquidation of the indebtedness of the facility 
during three days of praise, worship, and thanksgiving. The church held 
its first annual Yuletide Fellowship and began its annual Reformation 
Celebration. Twenty-one acres of land were purchased north of the 
facility in 1986. During that year, the church records were 
computerized. New ministries were developed in 1989 that included: 
Equipping, Prison, Hospital, Outreach, Youth Christian Education, and 
Membership. In 1989, the Kindergarten and Day Care Center became New 
Hope Christian School which served children ages 6 months through first 
grade.
  Pastor Young lead the congregation in the development of a vision and 
mission statement for the church, ``Our vision is to touch our 
community with the transforming power of the gospel of Jesus Christ in 
order that a Christian world and life view may permeate our 
communities.'' This vision guided the work of the ministry. In 1990, 
two ordination services were held; eleven deacons and one minister were 
ordained. The Laymen's Ministry was reorganized and an Administrative 
Staff was added. In 1991, the Discipleship Ministry was enhanced and a 
Money Management class was implemented. Plans for the Family Life 
Center were completed in 1992. Small Group Study for adults and a 
Children's Ministry were established in 1993.
  A groundbreaking ceremony for the new Family Life Center was held in 
1994. The church hired its first Youth Director and the first 
graduation from the elementary school that had grown to serve students 
through 6th grade was held in May 1994. In 1997, the Family Life Center 
was completed and dedicated; the elementary division of New Hope 
Christian School moved into the Family Life Center; the Christian 
Education Director became a full time staff person; and the Comforting 
Ministry was established. Three young men were called to the ministry 
and one was ordained.
  In 1990, Reverend Young directed the Future Development Design 
Committee of the ministry to add to the present ground and facilities a 
plan for the inclusion of a West campus which would have a worship 
facility, softball/soccer fields, tennis courts, picnic area, a half 
mile jogging track and additional parking.

[[Page E1295]]

  The year 2000 brought inspiration and opportunity. Ten new deacons 
were trained and ordained into the ministry. The first scholarship fund 
for high school and college graduates was established and $5000 in 
scholarship money was issued to deserving students within the ministry. 
Reverend Young and his family celebrated their 20th year pastoral 
service to the New Hope Congregation.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing New Hope 
Baptist Church.
    

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