In 1892, New Hope Baptist Church, Birmingham, started from a “prayer band of dedicated Christians” that grew rapidly. And Nov. 18–19 the congregation celebrated 125 years.
During the anniversary weekend, the church gathered for a formal banquet on Saturday at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex with guest speaker Cedric Sparks, chief of staff for Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin.
On Sunday, Gregory Clarke, New Hope’s pastor, spoke at the 10 a.m. service, and Bishop Dreyfus Smith of Wings of Faith Church in Atlanta preached at the 4 p.m. service.
Mary Gaines presented the church’s history and those present watched a slideshow of old photos. Yvonne DuBose presented a memorial to deceased members.
In a separate service in December, Johnie Sentell of the Alabama Baptist Historical Commission presented the church with a plaque. The congregation is “thankful for 125 years” of ministry, Clarke said.
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