“Preserving its important history in this community” is the motto of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. This church stands as a beacon of faith in Mount Pleasant. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of its congregation.
New Hope Missionary Baptist Church was founded on May 31, 1841. Reverend J.W. Pawley was the first pastor. The original church was on Old Georgetown Road. It was about two and a half miles from Mount Pleasant. The first building used unfinished lumber and logs. These supported the framed structure.
The congregation of New Hope Church started small. Baptisms took place at Hardy Green’s Landing. These were only held when the tides were low. After Reverend Pawley’s death, Reverend Smith became pastor. He baptized new and old members at the landing. New Hope Church stayed on Georgetown Road for many years.
Later, the church moved to Highway 17 North. Mrs. Betsy Green sold one acre of land for ten dollars. Members signed the deed. It is recorded in the courthouse. The third church building was built on this site. Reverend Harry Vaughn was the pastor. He served until his retirement.
Then, the deacons appointed Reverend A.W. Wright. In 1932, he had a large number of members. All were baptized in the churchyard pool. The pool became obsolete in 1950. After Reverend Wright’s retirement, Reverend I. Smalls pastored for a short time. Then Reverend Jackson from Awendaw, South Carolina, took over. Next, Reverend Gladsden from Charleston pastored. He made minor renovations to the church. After Reverend Gladsden, Reverend Henry Anderson and Reverend A. W. Green led the church.
In 1946, Reverend S.T. Simmons was appointed to New Hope Church. At that time, the church was small. Many members were elderly. In 1960, the members decided to build a new building. This sanctuary was constructed of cement blocks. The church was remodeled over the years. This is the third building on the present site. Reverend Simmons was pastor for 34 years. His pastorate was the longest in the church’s history. Reverend Simmons reorganized the Deacon Board, Usher Board, Choir, Pulpit Aid board, willing workers Club, and Missionary Board. He baptized ninety percent of the members. These baptisms have taken place indoors for the past 35 years.
After Reverend S. T. Simmons’ death, the church was without a pastor for one year. In December 1981, Reverend Anthony Lowe was installed on January 31, 1982. He pastored until 1987. Reverend Lowe was the youngest minister to pastor at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church.
Reverend Jenkins became pastor in February 1988. He was installed as the twelfth pastor on April 17, 1988. He completed the S.T. Simmons Fellowship Hall. He put in place the first set of by-laws. During Hurricane Hugo, he sustained the church’s hope and calm.
Reverend Parker Mitchell became the 13th pastor in 1995. Stained glass windows were installed during his leadership. He served until his death in 2006.
Reverend Joseph Oree Sr became the 14th Pastor on August 6, 2007. Under his leadership, the church grew spiritually and financially. The male choir was re-activated. Mid-week prayer and bible study were held weekly. Three members of the pulpit staff were ordained. Three new Deacons were added.
Members joined church committees. A hospitality committee was established. The church sanctuary and fellowship hall were painted. A new sound system was installed. In 2012, the church began a beautification project. This complemented road improvements. They partnered with Trident Community College. They shared the parking lot as it expanded. Further improvements occurred under Pastor Oree Sr. These included gravel and parking lot expansion. A fence was designed for the front of the church. A new church sign was created. The brick memorial walkway project continued. Grave head markers were pressure washed.
On January 13, 2016, the New Hope Church stood firmly as a powerful voice in Mount Pleasant. In December 2018, Reverend Dr. Levi H. Wright was elected as the 15th Pastor.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the doors of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church were closed. However, Reverend Wright installed three new deacons. Installation services took place under the oak trees. Reverend Wright continued to encourage the congregation. Members connected to Sunday Services via conference calls. He organized ‘The Brotherhood Association.’
New Hope Church strives to communicate with Mount Pleasant. They also work with the SC Department of Transportation and Charleston County. The goal is to secure a Historical Marker. This would recognize the ancestral site in the Gullah Geechee Corridor.
As we stand here, remember the words of Matthew 16:18: “Upon this Rock I will Build My Church; and the Gates of hell Shall not prevail against it.” New Hope Missionary Baptist Church remains resilient. It continues God’s work for His people.