New Hope Baptist Church 85 And Still Going Strong
Grand Rapids, Mich. — This weekend, New Hope Baptist Church is winding down a month of events commemorating and celebrating its 85th anniversary celebration.
Under the theme: Ministry in the Post, a Kingdom Life Conference featured a series of services led by guest pastors: Rev. Daniel Smith, Messiah Missionary Baptist Church.
October 9; Rev. Daniel Parker, Kingdom Life Ministry, October 16 and Rev. Jathan Austin One Church Empowerment Center, October 23.
The Anniversary Gala Friday, October 25th at the Pinnacle Center, Hudsonville, Michigan banquet guests will enjoy entertainment Comedian Marcus Wiley of the Yolanda Adams Morning Show.
The community is invited and welcomed to join in with the New Hope church family for Anniversary Worship Service, Sunday, October 27, at 10:15 a.m., which includes vocal renditions from Tasha - Page Lockhart (Sunday Best Sinner).
The church will also welcome Dr. Jamison Douglas Hytche - Hunter as guest preacher on Sunday, October 27, 2019.
New Hope Baptist Church was organized in August 1934 under the leadership of Rev. William Dinkins, Moderator of the Western Michigan Association and Rev. C. Crawford, District Missionary.
Dinkins and Crawford organized a prayer band of Grand Rapids native who were meeting in each other's homes and at a location on Market Street The official name of New Hope was bestowed by Mother Mary Harris.
The church's first worship service was held at 321 Grandville Avenue S.W in a building across the street from the old fire engine house, Number 6.
In attendance were approximately 25 members, along with delegation for Jackson, Michigan who came along with Rev. Dinkins to celebrate and commemorate the church's birth.
In April 1949, Rev. John V. Williams was called as pastor.
He was the 6th pastor and also the longest serving pastor in the church's 85 - year history.
He later moved the church from 257 Finney Ave, to Caulfield Avenue, SW; and into the construction of a $1.5 Million facility at the current location at 130 Delaware SW.
The facility has since been enhanced by the addition of the Family Life Center that houses offices, a gymnasium and a commercial – grade kitchen.
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