New Birth Missionary Baptist Church

Did you know a small group of believers established the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in 1951? Their chosen name, “New Birth,” reflected their spiritual journey. The church’s first pastor, Reverend W.B. Mitchell, played a key role in its founding. Upon his resignation, he recommended Brother Welton Washington, the church’s treasurer, as his successor. In 1952, Pastor Washington was ordained. The New Birth Missionary Baptist Church found its home on Louisa Street in 1973. The church thrived under Pastor Washington’s leadership. It grew to hundreds of members, boasting numerous ministries like the Deacon and Deaconess Boards, multiple choirs, Usher Boards, and Mission Boards. The church also nurtured future spiritual leaders. Many ministers were ordained under Pastor Washington’s guidance. These included Reverend Leon Lafayette of Hill of Zion Baptist Church, Reverend Davis Snowden of Third Shiloh Baptist Church, and Reverend Willie Montgomery of Greater Carver Baptist Church. Several others were licensed to preach. In 1999, Pastor Washington retired, and Reverend George S. Washington, Sr. became the new pastor. A name change followed in 2001. The church became the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church of New Orleans to avoid confusion with another local church. Hurricane Katrina in 2005 scattered the congregation, marking a difficult chapter in the church’s history. Some members, including Pastor Welton Washington and Reverend Fagan Davis, never returned. Yet, the spirit of New Birth endured. The Deacon Board, led by Brother Willie Miles, oversaw the church’s reopening in 2008. Members from across the country returned for this joyous occasion. The Louisiana Freedman Missionary Baptist General Association provided guidance during this time. In 2009, Reverend Isaac Stewart became the fourth pastor of the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church. The church continued serving the community, even opening its doors to other churches and groups. New ministries, like Feeding the Homeless and Clothing Ministry, were established. Even Hurricane Isaac in 2012, which significantly damaged the roof, couldn’t diminish the church’s spirit. Services simply moved to the Reverend Welton Washington Fellowship Hall. The New Birth Missionary Baptist Church continues to welcome new members, carrying its legacy of faith and resilience into the future.