The complete history of the New Hope Baptist Church could fill a volume of books. Organized July 27, 1873, New Hope Baptist Church has the distinction of being the first Black Church in Dallas, Texas, entirely organized and owned by Black people. The idea of the church began with prayer meetings held by a few loyal Christians in the log cabin home of Sister Mattie Rainey, located on the corner of what is now Fairmount Street and Munger Avenue.
The entire group consisted of Sisters Mattie Rainey, Emma Robinson, Love Vickey Drake, Lucenda Williams, Emma Starks, Sally Taylor and Brother Jerry Taylor. After prayerful consideration, these seven dedicated pioneers decided to unite their efforts to form a church. They contacted the American Baptist Home Mission Society, which recommended the Reverend John Hay, a traveling missionary evangelist, as the person to organize their prayer band into a church. On the fourth Sunday in July 1873 their dream of a church was realized with the organization of the New Hope Baptist Church.
Reverend Hay, a tireless religious leader, remained for nearly two to increase and guide his faithful nock. The Very presence Of New Hope Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, gave stability and respect to many Black citizens who only 8 years before had been freed from the yoke of slavery. The Reverend John Hay (1873 — 1874) Was followed by the reverend R. Griggs (1874 — 1884).
Reverend Griggs proved to be a true man Of God. His leadership Strengthened the Church He directed it into the leadership that it has held for the past 139 years.
The Reverend C. N. Pryor (1884-1890) the third minister, a leader Who increased the dignity and promoted the growth and success of the church. The Reverend W. D. Isaac (1890-1898), a graduate of Central Baptist Academy and completed theological courses at Bishop College in Marshall. Texas, was one of the most dynamic Christian leaders of his age. His education and previous church experience projected New Hope Baptist Church into a new realm of progress. He became manager of the Star Publishing Company, which was associated with the Dallas Express, an early Black newspaper. This paper gave voice to political disenfranchisement and lack of job and educational opportunities. Most of these same problems are still being voiced today. Reverend Isaac expanded the church youth program, encouraged singing, and taught social etiquette. He truly developed the church into a center for Christian community improvement.
Dr. Alexander Stephens Jackson (1899 — 1936) was both distinguished and well educated. He was a graduate of Atlanta and Colgate Universities. He brought with him experience as a teacher and a preacher. He seemed destined to be a history maker and leader of men. Time and space will not permit an accurate listing of the many "firsts" that were brought to fruition during his lengthy tenure as pastor of New Hope Baptist Church. The church built and paid for a new church which was the first large brick building in Dallas, owned and constructed by Blacks.
It Soon became the center for all cultural, political and educational gathering in the City; He organized the Patron's League, an organization dedicated to bringing nationally known Black speakers to Dallas, such as Booker T. Washington, Mary Church Terrell, W.B. Dubois and many others. Dr. Jackson was also fortunate to have a large, loving and talented family. As age began to limit him, his capable son, the Reverend Maynard Jackson became co-pastor ( 1934—1945).
Reverend Maynard Jackson later became the full-time pastor of New Hope (1934—1945). He was a graduate Of Morehouse College, Garrett School of Theology and studied at Chicago and Northwestern Universities. As successor to his father, he continued the path of progress. His leadership gave birth to the First Progressive Voters League in Dallas in 1936. His son, Maynard Jackson, Jr. the first Black mayor of Atlanta, Georgia, was born and grew up partially in New Hope Baptist Church.
The Reverend KB. Polk (1945-1946) was selected to serve as interim pastor when Rev. Maynard Jackson resigned to accept a new charge in Atlanta, Georgia. Rev. Polk was not only a minister but also a talented musician, schoolteacher school principal in Dallas.
Dr. O.M. Locust (1946—1951) accepted the pastorate as well as the challenge to perpetuate the greatness that New Hope Baptist Church had achieved. Dr. Locust was a graduate of Wilberforce and Ohio Wesleyan Universities in Ohio, which was his home state. He had also received an honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity and was a former professor of English, Bible and Homiletics in the Central Baptist Theological Seminary at Topeka, Kansas. Dr. Locust and the Church remained involved in active, positive community action. He resigned in 1951 to become a full—time employee Of the National Baptist Convention Mission Board.
The Reverend Clifford Jackson (1951-1953), a distinguished educator in the city and longtime member of New Hope became the next interim pastor. He too was a respected civic worker as well as a capable minister.
The Reverend Merrell Booker (1953-1956), a well-educated minister and college professor, broadened the image of New Hope even more through his vast experience in the field of religion and his excellent social and civic awareness. Even then, he was calling attention to the problems in South Africa. Through his experience as the former head of the Department of Religion at Bishop College, he was able to give new dimensions in religion as a means of social change. It was during this period that the physical plant on Bogel Street was improved with complete air conditioning.
When Reverend Booker decided to share his talents with another institution in 1956, Dr. D. Edwin Johnson (1956-1958) was selected to serve as interim pastor. Dr. Johnson, a man of much foresight, had already distinguished himself in the field of religion through the establishment of a religious school in Dallas, dedicated to the training of young ministers. The growth of the church was able to continue during this period without any changes.
Dr. H. Rhett James (1958-1985), a minister dedicated to education and religious involvements, was educated at Virginia Union, Our Lady of the Lake, and Texas Christian Universities. He had the honor of being the first African American to receive the Master of Theology from Texas Christian University and later earned his doctorate degree. He came to New Hope with experience as a public school teacher, college professor and minister. Under his leadership the present modern church at 5002 S. Central Expressway was built and completely furnished. His many contributions to the programs and growth of the church and city are fondly remembered. D.r James organized and led the only citizens march for integration to be held in Dallas, Texas. He served on many boards and became president of the local NAACP.
The Reverend Ronald E. Jones (1985-1987, 1990-1991, and 1997-1999), a progressive young minister, first African American Mayor of Garland, Texas, civic worker and adjunct professor graciously consented to accept the role of interim pastor on four separate occasions. He was wholeheartedly selected by the officers and members. Reverend Jones received his B. A. degree from the Dallas Baptist University and his Masters degree in Human Relations and Business Management from Abilene Christian University. He received his Doctorate Degree in Clinical Christian Counseling from the Cornerstone University. Dr. Jones completed studies in Greek, Theology and Church Administration at the Criswell College Institute for Biblical Studies.
As a member of the church, he had previously taken an active role in carrying out the church program. With the enthusiastic support of his family, the church program continued uninterrupted each time he served, while arrangements were made for the ministerial vacancy to be permanently filled. During the first interim under the leadership of Rev. Ronald E. Jones, the church mortgage was paid off making the church debt free.
The Reverend Victor Hal (1987 - 1980), a native of Dallas, Texas, was known as an outstanding student and a dedicated young Christian. He attended Morehouse College n Atlanta, Georgia, and graduated as the highest ranking B. A. student in his class in 1982. Reverend Hall's ministry was closely associated with education. After his graduation from college, he attended the Union Theological Seminary in New York City and worked for three years as a student minister at the Cornerstone Baptist Church in Brooklyn, New York. He was ordained to the Christian Ministry in 1985. Among the accomplishments of Reverend Hall were weekly Bible study and the refocusing of the direction of the church in national and state convention activities.
Dr. Derrick Harkins (1992-1997), was a native of Cleveland, Ohio, where he was formerly a member of the Antioch Baptist Church. Prior to coming to New Hope, he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Communication from Boston University, a Master of Divinity Degree from the Union Theological Seminary and a Doctorate Degree from the United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. Dr. Harkins previously served as one of the Assistant Ministers of the Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, New York. He also served as an assistant Director of Admissions for Boston University.
While in Dallas, Dr. Harkins not only carried on the work of the church but also became a member of many religious and civic boards and committees. His tenure at the church ended in August 1997 when he accepted a charge in Washington, D.C. We note with pride that his church is visited regularly by the current President of the United States, Barrack H. Obama and family.
The Reverend Alfred Walker, Jr. (1999-2009) was welcomed by the members of New Hope as the 12th pastor of this great church. His resume stated that he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Religion at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia and that he furthered his education by meeting the requirements for the Master of Divinity Degree from the Morehouse School of Religion at the Interdenominational Theological Center. His concentration, at the time, was in the area Psychology of Religion and Pastoral Care. His internship was completed at the Georgia Regional Hospital in Clinical Pastoral Education.
He was presently working to become a candidate for the Doctor of Ministry Degree. During his tenure at the New Hope Baptist Church, Reverend Walker served as a member of the Board of Directors of the African American Pastor's Coalition, served as Vice President for Political Development, member of the Board of Directors of the Metro Homeless Alliance, St. Phillips School and Community Center. His tenure at the church ended in 2009.
Reverend Dr. Ronald E. Jones, Interim Pastor (2009-2012), Senior Pastor (2012-2019), resumed his work for the continued successful religious, political, and civic progress of New Hope. During this time, he was elected and served three consecutive terms as the Mayor of Garland, Texas, becoming the first and only African American Mayor to serve. He maximized all of His gifts as a pastor, speaker, negotiator, mediator, teacher, counselor, parliamentarian, politician and public administrator to move the church forward in a dynamic manner. As a compelling communicator, sacrificial servant leader, masterful manager, and faithful family man, he humbly used these gifted characteristics as a Modern Renaissance Man serving the congregation, community and his family.
Dr. Jones was a member and officer on many Christian and civic organizations throughout the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex. During his tenure as pastor, his honors and awards include but are not limited to: ni- ducted into Elite News Ministers Hal of Fame; Man of the Year, Texas Public Power Association; South Dallas Business and Professional Women's Trailblazer Award; Maurine Bailey Community Service Award; Garland Chamber of Commerce Tail Texan Award; Dallas Baptist University Distinguished Alumni Award; Award for Excellence in Community Service from the Dallas Historical Society; Dallas Baptist University named an Endowment Scholarship in his honor; and served as president of Dallas Metroplex Mayor's Association.
The Honorable Reverend Dr. Ronald E. Jones retired as Pastor of New Hope Baptist Church on April 18, 2019, and was subsequently named the Pastor Emeritus by the church membership.
The dream of the founders was realized in the establishment of a church that has served the community for over one hundred years. The pastors and people of New Hope have been committed to spreading the message of Jesus Christ and discipling believers as they grow in faith on their Christian journey. Today, as we continue the tradition of outstanding pastoral leadership, the Honorable Reverend Dr. Damien Williams serves as pastor.