New Hope History

The History of New Hope Baptist Church

In 1897, a group of people, both officers and members of Bethlehem Baptist Church of Covington, Georgia, felt there was a need for a church in the Harristown community, thus New Hope was founded. Perhaps the name was chosen as a symbol of a dream for a “New Hope” for people to find the Lord. We can only guess about what the officers and trustees: Deacons R. T. Daniels, Perry Bush, George Byrd, N.A. Bagby and J. W. Bentley were thinking at that time. Rev. E. P. Johnson served as New Hope’s first Pastor.

A plot of land on the corner of Brown and Ivy Streets was secured and Francis S. Thomson Contracting Company constructed the church for $1800.00. The interior of the church was not completed in its present form. The choir stand and two rooms were added at a later time.

The building was dedicated as New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, with worship services on the First and Third Sundays in each month. Religious training included: Sunday School (being held at 2:00 p.m., at that time), Baptist Training Union and the Missionary Society (for the care of the sick and those in need).

The leadership of New Hope has been significant in every way. Each of the previous 24 pastors have made significant contributions toward the growth of New Hope, no matter how small or insignificant it may have seemed at the time.

In January of 1999, Rev. Harold Miller, Jr., was called as the 25th pastor of the New Hope Baptist Church. In less than a year, Pastor Miller made his influence felt in the church and in the community. Here are just a few of the accomplishments that New Hope has been blessed with under his administration. The re-establishment of weekly Prayer Meeting, Adult Bible Class and the establishment of a Children’s Bible Class. A Community Block Party is held each year as an outreach effort to the community. The church has traveled with Pastor Miller to Orlando, FL, Lincoln, AL and Hattiesburg, MS as well as numerous in-State and local locations. Discipleship, Deacons, Leadership and Team Building Training have been implemented, along with small men and women cell groups. A Hallelujah Fest (a Christian alternative to Halloween) is held annually. The New Hope Steppers for Christ and the Angelic Dance Group have also been formed. Improvements to the church’s physical plant include a new ceiling, new stained-glass windows, new windows and new lighting in the sanctuary, the addition of a sound room, the restoration of the bell-tower and the installation of the “Light of Hope” in the bell-tower, the remodeling of the annex area and a host of other cosmetic and practical enhancements. Other significant accomplishments include the purchase of several lots adjacent to the church, the purchase of a church van, and most recently the renovation and dedication of The Hope House on South St.

Under Pastor Miller’s tenure, in 2002 Margie Miller, (the First Lady) received her preaching license from the Bethlehem Baptist Church and became an associate minister of New Hope Baptist Church. Bro. Melvin Clark, Bro. Henry Duncan, Bro. Jerry Carter and Bro. Paul Gaither were ordained as Deacons. New Hope caught the eyes of movie producers again and our church, pastor and choir were featured in the movie “Remember the Titans.” Pastor Miller’s motto is: “It’s not about religion but about a relationship with Jesus Christ.” The motto of the New Hope Baptist Church is: “Providing ‘New Hope’ for Harristown, Covington, Newton County and the World.”

< Side

Our Worship Times

Sundays
Sunday School, 10AM
Morning Worship, 11AM

Wednesdays
Prayer Meeting, 6PM
Bible Study, 7PM