NEW HOPE BAPTIST CHURCH

• In April 1918, when there were no African-American Churches on the Eastside of Youngstown, a group of individuals began a door-to-door prayer service at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Emerson Turner. The prayer circle grew so large that on June 9, 2018, members of the prayer circle boarded the streetcar to the First Baptist Church on Winton Street, where Pastor Kennedy officially organized the New Hope Baptist Church.
• Rev. William Flower served as New Hope’s first pastor. Under the leadership of Reverend Flower, the membership of New Hope grew beyond the capacity of its first two worship facilities (the Oak Street storefront, and the Andrews and Valley Street location) and moved to its 3^rd location of Rice Street. After eight years of faithful leadership, Pastor Flower’s health began to fail and his resignation was tendered. In 1927, Rev. J. C. Herron became New Hope’s 2^nd pastor. Pastor Herron's tenure was short-lived as he returned to the South a year later to continue ministry there.
• In 1928, Rev. David Cox became the church’s 3^rd pastor. Under his leadership, the church erected a new facility at 1117 Arch Street. Rev. Cox displayed true servant leadership as he laid all the sewers lines, and led the deacons digging out the basement. After forty years of dedicated and committed leadership, Rev. Cox transitioned from his earthly labor to his heavenly reward.
• In 1968 after the death of Pastor Cox, New Hope called Pastor Joe Bankston as its 4^th pastor. Under the leadership of Pastor Bankston, the membership grew abundantly requiring the need for a larger facility. In 1973, Trustee Kermit Garett was selected to lead the charge of raising the money to build a new facility. New Hope spent 5 years raising the money to build the church through tithes, offerings and a host of other programs to include: the Annual Calendar, Church Tea. State Rally, Men’s and Women’s Day, bazaars, style shows, and a church memoir. In December of 1978, the ribbon was cut and the members of New Hope Baptist Church marched from their old church facility to their new church home. On June 14, 2000, the congregation of New Hope celebrated the goodness of God as they burned the mortgage on their newly built facility. Also, in 2001 Pastor Bankston’s desire to see the paving of the church-owned parking lots was fulfilled.
• Under Pastor Joe Bankston’s leadership, many sons and daughters were birthed into the ministry to include: Minister Ronald Hayes and Calvin Kelly (1973), Minister Robert Logan(1976), Minister Bernice Henderson, Minister Kevin Crum Sr. and Eric Posey (Aug. 6 & 20th 1978), Minister Gary Copeland (1979).
• After 33 years of godly, great and gallant leadership, Pastor Bankston retired as pastor in December of 2001. Within two months both Pastor Joe Bankston and First Lady Dorothy Bankston were called home for their heavenly reward. On May 5, 2002, a memorial service was held at the church to honor their life, love and legacy to the New Hope family, and the greater Youngstown community.
• In 2003 December 27th, New Hope called Pastor Kevin Crum Sr. as its 5^th pastor. His first sermon as pastor-elect was “You Can’t Park Here” taken from Joshua 1:1-20. Five new converts came forward and accepted Christ. Under Pastor Crum’s leadership, the church’s facility and administration have been updated. A new recording booth has been added; a parking lot and additional property have been acquired, a portical has been built, computers have been purchased, and cameras have been installed. Additionally, new classes have been instituted, new ministries have been established, new causes have been supported, new members are connected, and new ways of ministering have been explored. God has sent Pastor Kevin Crum to New Hope for such a time as this. His leadership continues to challenge the church family to continue to grow spiritually, financially and numerically in the midst of changing and challenging times.
• In 105 years, New Hope has only had five pastors. While the pastors have led, the work would have been undone, and the journey incomplete without the faithful and untiring labor of love from the members of New Hope. While many have already gone on to get their great reward, their memories remain alive in our hearts. For those who remain, let’s continue to enjoy the journey as we continue to make disciples and take this gospel to all nations and “Help Other People Excel“