New Hope Missionary Baptist Church History

(1841 - 1997)

New Hope Missionary Baptist Church was organized May 31, 1841. Its Pastor was Rev. J.W. Pawley. The Church was first located on Old Georgetown Road about 2½ miles from Mr. Pleasant.

The first church building was constructed with unfinished lumber and logs to support the frame structure. Baptism was held at Hardy Green's Landing when the tide was low. After Rev. Pawley's death Rev. Smith was called to be the pastor, he continued the tradition of Tidal Baptism. The church remained on the Old Georgetown Road until a new church was built on this present site. This plot of land was purchased from Mrs. Betsy Green for the sum of Ten Dollars.

The second church building on this site was constructed during the pastorate of Rev. Harry Vaughan. After his retirement, The Rev. A.W. Wright was called to serve. The church grew under his leadership. In fact, in 1932, during the depths of the great depression, the church posted the largest one year increase in members. At this point baptism was performed in a pool located on the north side of the church. After Rev. Wright's retirement a number of pastors followed: Rev. I. Small, Rev. Jackson, Rev. Gadsden, Licit. Henry Anderson, and Rev. A.W. Green.

In the year 1946 Rev. S.T. Simmons was called to New Hope to be the Pastor. His pastorate would last for the next 34 years. During his tenure a number of changes occurred and the church was remodeled. Eventually the present church was constructed. In addition, a number of Boards, such as the Deacon Board, Usher Board, the Choir, and the Missionary Board were established and reorganized. Rev. Simmons passed away January 2, 1981 leaving New Hope without a Pastor.

On January 31, 1982 Rev. Anthony Lowe was called to serve. He was the youngest to serve as pastor of this church. He continued the tradition of expansion at New Hope. He ordained several Ministers, and ordained new Deacons, reorganized various Boards and Choirs. Also , under his direction one acre of land located directly behind the church was purchased. In August, 1987 he resigned leaving the church without a pastor.

Rev. George S. Jenkins arrived and was installed as our new pastor in April, 1988. Under his leadership the church adopted its first By-laws, ordained new ministers, established the first Male Choir, and the ordained new Deacons. However, the most important legacies of Rev. Jenkins included the completion of the Multi-Purpose building known as the S. T. Simmons Fellowship Hall and the relief the church provided to the Mt. Pleasant community after the devastation of Hurricane Hugo in September, 1989. Rev. Jenkins resigned as pastor in May, 1994.

The church was without a pastor until the Installation of Rev. Parker G. Mitchell in January, 1995. In the brief time he has been our shepherd, he has continued our pattern of growth. Under his leadership the parking area around the church was paved, a new computer was purchased to better serve the needs of the church, the interior & exterior of the church has been painted, and many new souls have joined our congregation.

We, the members of this great church, pray that New Hope Missionary Baptist Church will stand and be a lighthouse on the shore, bringing the ungodly home to the church.

Weekly Services		Main Church Page
Pastor's Message		Map to the Church