Church History

In 1888, some 15 to 20 Black residents in the community saw the need for a church. The Rev. James Banks organized a church and named it New Hope Baptist Church. All the Blacks in the community, Baptist, Methodist, and/or others, worshipped together in this one church. The church was a two-room house located at the corner of Burton Street and First Avenue southeast. As the community grew, the church grew.

In 1892, Rev. M.C. McCoy was called to pastor. Rev. Felix Jones, who served three years, followed him. In 1894, Rev. Daniel was called, followed by Rev. Battly. In 1899, Rev. P.R. Neal became pastor. He was instrumental in the purchase and the move of the church to the present site, 16 “E” Street Northeast. His leadership covered thirteen years and the membership grew to about five hundred. The next pastor was Rev. H.R. Wilson, followed by Rev. G.W. Dickerson who was responsible for building the parsonage. Rev. W.H. Burrell came in 1915 and helped to rebuild the church after the great explosion. He also saw to it that the church was debt free before he left. Following him was Rev. J. J. Addison and Rev. A. C. Hamilton. In 1927, Rev. D. Edwin Johnson was called and served until 1933. During his pastorate, new pews were installed. He was a family man with five children, and sought to reach out to the young people. Ministers who followed were Rev. Weaver, Rev. J.W. Hawkins, Rev. M. L. Covington, Rev. I. Q. Nellum and Rev. A. W. T. Chism.

In 1945, Rev. Earl Jennings Perry was called. During his pastorate, a building fund was started, floor furnaces were installed, fans were added, and an organ keyboard was purchased. The parsonage was rebuilt with much of the work done by Rev. Perry. He was a minister who sang and loved music. Under his leadership, the music department grew with the help of Sisters Sadie Moore-Smith and Electa Moore-Baker on piano and organ. The senior choir expanded, a male chorus was organized and a mission chorus was formed. The senior choir was entered in state and local competitions, where first place was achieved at these events and the Silver Cup for performance remains with the church. Rev. Perry remained until 1954. Rev. Eli Whitney Wheeler followed and remained until 1958. Rev. Robert Delano Bradford came in 1958 and began a 30-year leadership. Under his leadership the church was completely remodeled, additions built on, central air, heating installed, a Hammond organ purchased, a new church van was purchased, and the church was debt free. He retired in 1988.

Rev. Kenneth L. Wright, Sr. was called in October 1988. The church and parsonage were completely updated. Improvements to the church included: new roof, painted halls, renovated and updated the entrance way, addition of a handicap walkway, stained glassed windows throughout the building for protection of the interior furnishing and new carpet. The improvements to the parsonage included installation of a new kitchen range, new air and heating units, a storehouse and a protective fence in the rear. We acquired real estate through a gift from Charles and Jessie Lee Currie which is the Lena Crutchfield property located at 19 ‘E’’ Street N. E., across the street from the church. In addition, we purchased the Woods-Hill home place at 21 ‘E’ Street N. E., along with property at 32 ‘E’ Street N. E. We installed the First Baptist Lena Crutchfield Parking Lot at this time. We are grateful to God and our friends for their generosity and love.

Rev. Wayne A. Lawson was called in June, 2000. With his coming, we updated the air and heating units in the sanctuary, kitchen, fellowship hall and offices; added new carpet in the offices, remodeled the restrooms in the front and back of the church to be handicap accessible; remodeled the Sunday School rooms. We continued work on the youth programs; a new set of drums was purchased through a gift to the youth department; a technology center was set in operation. A second church van was purchased. The property on the corner of ’E’ Street and Main was donated to the church family. Rev. Lawson resigned in September, 2005.

Under the Deacon Ministry, a Children’s Ministry was set in motion to aid our youth in school and life skills, and the parsonage was remodeled and became the Family Life Center. The late Deacon Andrew Johnson and his wife Deaconess Hazel (Bunny) Johnson desired that their home at 48 ’E’ Street N. E. be given to the First Baptist Church. At her death in 2004, the beneficiaries of her Trust deeded the property to First Baptist Church. Thus our parsonage was relocated to 48 ’E’ Street N. E.

Rev. Willie J. Tiller Jr. accepted the call in January 2006 and preached his first sermon on February 6. His family: wife, Stephene; son, Reuben; and daughter, Martha joined us in March. He has a spirited passion for the Gospel of Christ.

In August 2006, he was elected Moderator of the Chickasaw District. Under his ministry, new equipment has been added to the technology center; the Family Life Center is now the First Touch Learning Center. He instituted the Solomon Campaign, the Prayer Walk for the immediate area, hospitals, schools, and community in general. He is involved in affairs of the city government, educational system, religious organizations and family welfare.