New Hope Missionary Baptist Church

New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. . In the years immediately following the end of the Civil War, a group of freed slaves, organized by the Rev. Lewis Hanson and the Rev. George Pettygree, began meeting in the home of Samuel Graves. To accommodate growing numbers, the church moved their meeting to this site in an open-sided structure known as a brush arbor. Church membership continued to increase, so a new church building was built. Although this second building shielded congregants from the weather, it had no indoor electrical or plumbing systems. The second church building burned in 1945. The third building's cornerstone was laid in 1946, under the supervision of the Rev. Albert Perkins, who became a noted evangelist., Through revival and youth efforts, New Hope enriched the community. A week-long series of revival meetings culminated in the churchs biggest annual celebration known as "Big Day," held on the fourth Sunday in September. Attendees responding to the revival's message would be baptized, participate in a worship service, and be welcomed in a new member ceremony, followed by a church wide meal. "Big Day" hosted crowds much larger than normal attendance., The youth, organized and shepherded by Ethel Saxon, enjoyed an active program. Saxon organized the congregation's youth chapter of the Baptist Training Union. Here, youth were instructed in the bible and public speaking, and held leadership positions. Youth members represented New Hope at week-long annual conferences held at various participating churches. Saxon also led the youth's annual Easter and Christmas programs. These programs reached people throughout the area, who then desired to participate in church activities.