How many churches can say they began in a log cabin? New Hope Family Worship can. It stands as a beacon of faith. It also symbolizes resilience in Dallas. Its story is deeply interwoven with the history of the Black community here.
Organized on July 27 1873 New Hope Family Worship holds the distinction of being the first Black church in Dallas. It was entirely organized and owned by Black people. This was just eight years after the abolition of slavery.
The seeds of New Hope Family Worship were sown in the home of Sister Mattie Rainey. Her log cabin stood at the corner of Fairmount Street and Munger Avenue. A small group of dedicated Christians gathered there for prayer meetings. These included Sisters Mattie Rainey Emma Robinson and others. They sought to unite their efforts and form a church.
The group contacted the American Baptist Home Mission Society. They recommended Reverend John Hay. He was a traveling missionary evangelist. Reverend Hay helped organize their prayer band into a church. On the fourth Sunday of July 1873 their dream became reality. New Hope Family Worship was officially established.
Reverend Hay guided the church for nearly two years. His leadership provided stability and respect to many Black citizens. They had only recently emerged from slavery’s shadow. He was followed by Reverend R Griggs who strengthened the church. Reverend Griggs directed it toward continued leadership.
Reverend W D Isaac expanded the church’s youth program. He encouraged singing. He taught social etiquette. Reverend Isaac developed New Hope Family Worship into a center for Christian community improvement.
Dr Alexander Stephens Jackson became pastor in 1899. He brought a new level of education and experience. The church built a new brick building under his leadership. It was the first large brick building in Dallas owned and constructed by Blacks. New Hope Family Worship became a hub for cultural political and educational gatherings.
Dr Jackson organized the Patron’s League. This brought nationally known Black speakers to Dallas. Booker T Washington and W E B Dubois were among them. His son Reverend Maynard Jackson later became co-pastor. He then became the full-time pastor of New Hope Family Worship.
Reverend Maynard Jackson continued his father’s legacy of progress. He established the First Progressive Voters League in Dallas in 1936. His son Maynard Jackson Jr grew up in the church. He later became the first Black mayor of Atlanta Georgia.
Over the years New Hope Family Worship has had many dedicated pastors. Each one contributed to its growth and impact. In 1968 the church moved to its current location on South Central Expressway. It continues to serve the community.
New Hope Family Worship celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2023. The Texas Legislature honored the church with a resolution. Today under the leadership of Reverend Dr Damien Williams New Hope Family Worship continues to spread its message. It is a message of hope faith and community. The dream of its founders lives on. New Hope Family Worship is still committed to its Christian journey.