“Determined faith” echoes through the story of New Home Baptist Church. It began in 1957 with Reverend Leon T. Parker. He came from Essex County Virginia. Reverend Parker established New Home Baptist Church. His faith was gratifying. The chartered members honored him as their first pastor.
On February 22 1958 the Baptist Conference recognized New Home Baptist Church. It became a regular Missionary Baptist Church. The church grew under Reverend John R. Lee from 1970. It became a saving station for lost souls.
Reverend James T. Gilchrist became the third pastor in 1971. God’s flock flourished under his leadership. Bobby Darin Hicks was licensed as a minister in 1977. He preached his initial sermon then. In 1979 Reverend Hicks was ordained as a minister. He became the first son of New Home Baptist Church to achieve this. In 1982 Reverend Hicks became Assistant Pastor. Deacon Ernest N. Johnson was licensed as a minister in 1983. He also preached his first sermon.
In 1985 Reverend Bobby D. Hicks became the fourth Pastor. God blessed the church with Tyonnie Gibson Hicks as First Lady. Together they had two sons Reverend Jeremiah Hicks and Aaron Hicks. Pastor Hicks was a blessing to New Home Baptist Church. Under his leadership they moved forward in service. Reverend Ernest N. Johnson became Assistant Pastor in 1986. He also served as Church Administrator from 1999.
New Home Baptist Church moved several times. The original location was 2900 11th Street N.W. It then moved to 116 9th Street N.W. and later to 1000 M Street N.W. In 1959 it moved to 3497 Holmead Place N.W. The church purchased the property at 3423 Holmead Place N.W. in 1967. By 1979 New Home Baptist Church moved into a reconstructed building there.
Under Pastor Hicks’ leadership purchases enhanced the ministry. In 1990 land was purchased in Landover Maryland. This was for the future home of the church. New Home paid off that land in 1992. The Building Fund Committee was reestablished in 1992. It aimed to reach financial goals and educate the church.
In 1995 a groundbreaking celebration was held in Landover Maryland. This was for the new church building at 8320 Landover Road. In 1997 the church moved into its new building. Dedication services were held with gifted preachers.
Pastor Hicks preached God’s Word with power and authority. New Home added new members. The membership grew spiritually and physically. They included new converts and preachers from other churches. The church motto became Finding Feeding Fencing.
In 2022 Reverend Anthony R. Medlock was installed as the fifth Pastor. He had served at New Home Baptist Church before. He then pastored a church in Charlotte NC for 16 years. Pastor Medlock and First Lady Reverend Joyce C. Medlock lead God’s people.
New Home Baptist Church stands as a testament to faith. It shows determination and growth over the years. From its humble beginnings to its present-day ministry it continues to serve God.