[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 73 (Wednesday, May 13, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E687]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING NEW HOPE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 13, 2015

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
remarkable church, New Hope First Baptist Church.
  In the year 1878, Rev. G.W. Gayles, a traveling missionary became 
pastor of the Mt. Horeb Missionary Baptist Church after the dismissal 
of Rev. H.M. McIntyre. Although his pastorship was that of outstanding 
achievements in the church, there arose feelings of rebellion. 
Eventually, Rev. Gayles with some of his deacons were disbarred from 
the church. Out of this band of members was born the now New Hope First 
Baptist Church.
  The first modern day pastor of the New Hope First Baptist Church was 
Rev. H.H. Humes who began pastoring the Church in 1927. Rev. Humes 
began a long tenure in 1927 which lasted until 1941. During the period 
of Rev. Humes' tenure in 1940 the church was completely torn down and 
rebuilt. Earlier the first floor was completely remodeled after the 
1927 Flood. The structure completed in 1940 remained the home of New 
Hope First Baptist Church congregation until 1977. Rev. Humes left the 
church in 1941 only to return again as the pastor in 1954 and remained 
in that position until his death in January of 1958.
  In 1954, New Hope First Baptist Church began its long relationship 
with Rev. J.M. Kimble. Rev. Kimble served from 1958 until July of 1969. 
With his sweet spirit and general manners, Rev. Kimble typified the 
Christian spirit by his continued visits to the sick in homes and in 
hospitals. When Rev. Kimble initially left New Hope First Baptist 
Church in July of 1969, he was followed by Rev. Albert Jenkins who came 
in the autumn of 1969 and remained pastor until the early part of 1971.
  During Rev. Kimble's first tenure as pastor, the church purchased 
additional land and property on the corner of Theobald and Nelson 
Streets. At that time the Trustees included Constance W. Watson, 
Herbert Caver, Joe Hillard and Jessis Winters.
  Rev. Kimble returned to New Hope in the early part of 1971 and is 
presently the pastor. He, like those who preceded him, again took up 
the challenge of a progressive and assertive Christian force in 
Greenville. The progress of the church was remarkable as exemplified by 
the newly constructed building which was made available for services in 
May of 1978.
  The Sunday School, Bible Class, Christian Education, N.B.C., Ushers, 
Deaconess Broad, Deacons, Pastor's Aid Club, Senior Mission, J.M.A., 
Red Circle, Choirs, and Trustee Boards have played an important part in 
the growth and development of this church.
  On January 1, 1987, New Hope started commencing full-time service. In 
recognition of the same, Pastor Kimble and all other New Hopers are 
very, very grateful to God and the members of the organizational 
structure committee for having made a giant step toward providing 
opportunities for all members of New Hope First Baptist Church to 
become involved in the church's total program.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing New Hope 
First Baptist Church for its longevity and dedication to serving 
others.

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