Church History
Second New Hope church was organized in August of 1947 at the home Deacon Calvin and Sister Elizabeth Roney, L.A. Long, Moderator of the Eastern District Association of the National Baptist Convention and Reginald Davis of the State Missionary Board Officiated over the information of the new church. At that first meeting Rev. Oddis N. Lewis was approved as founding pastor. Soon after organizing they purchased
the present property and worshiped in a small building known as the “goat
house”. Almost immediately, the men of the church began building. The
basement of the church was dug out by hand by Brothers Jacob Pye, Oddis Sr.,
Oddis Jr. & James Lewis, and John Andrews. The sewer and plumbing
work was done by the pastor’s brother Rev. Grandville Lewis (known as Uncle
Dutch). There was much discussion on how next to proceed. Folks
said “we don’t have the money to build a church.” Rev. Lewis’
response was “we’re not building this church on finances, we are building on
faith”. And they did. For the next 20 years the church
worshiped in the basement, while saving and building as they saved the money
for the expansion. We were known as the basement church. But we were also
known as a family church and a church of love and a church of sharing. We
were and are a church dedicated to the community. In 1970 the church marched into the
upstairs debt free. In 1981 Rev. Oddis Lewis Sr., due to
failing health, resigned as pastor and was replaced by Rev. Gabriel Lewis
Sr. The church grew and flourished under his leadership for 21 successful
and spirit filled years. When Rev. Gabriel Lewis Sr. felt that he
had taken Second New Hope as far as the Lord has commissioned him to, the
mantle of leadership was passed to our current pastor Rev. Eric Burr, who has
continued to be a leader that seeks to meet the needs of the congregation and
the community. We have accepted his commission of being 2nd New Hope but
“Second to none”. He has challenged us to always be in
pursuit of excellence. Many have come and gone many have worshiped and prayed and the power of the
Lord remains in this place - come worship with us.
Charter Members
Oddis
& Nellie Lewis Sr.
James & Tenny Lewis
James Willie Lee Sanders
Jacob & Virga. Pye
Josephine Young
Rev. Julian & Argetha McLittle
Magdalene Lewis
John Andrews
Rev. Robert & Sis. Huff
Theodore & Minnie Wicker Wade & Nona Brock Brother Parham