New Hope Baptist Church

New Hope Baptist Church was established on April 14, 1969, with the New Hampshire State Seal affixed to its charter. It promotes the spiritual welfare of the community and encourages faith in God. The church's roots trace back to April 7, 1967, when the first vital statistics were recorded. Charter members included Willie M. Matt, Lige A. Williams, Frances Satchell, Bette L. Jarmon, and Joseph Shaw. 

 

Before its founding, many members were part of Peoples Baptist Church on Pearl Street in Portsmouth, the only Black Baptist church in New Hampshire for 53 years. Rev. Raymond Hailes, who served as pastor of Peoples Baptist, led the establishment of New Hope after resigning in 1969. This marked the first occasion of two co-existing Black Baptist churches in Portsmouth. 

 

Facing financial challenges, Peoples Baptist Church voted on February 8, 1968, to transfer its property to the United Baptist Convention of New Hampshire and closed later that year. In late 1969, New Hope membership was granted use of the former Peoples Baptist Church building, which was later officially transferred to New Hope for just $1. 

 

Rev. Solomon Stith became New Hope’s second pastor in 1969 and served until 1974, during which time he made key interior modifications to the church. After his resignation, Deacon Walter Johnson led the church while guest ministers filled the pulpit. 

 

In 1975, Rev. Ralph G. Henley was called as the third pastor, and the church grew financially and in membership, acquiring 16+ acres on Peverly Hill Road. However, membership began to decline in 1980, and Rev. Henley’s contract was not renewed in 1981. Interim leadership by Minister Elease Gray preceded Rev. Willard Ashley’s appointment in 1982, leading to renewed growth and plans for a new building. 

 

Rev. Ashley’s unexpected resignation in 1984 led to Rev. Foster L. Covington, Jr. stepping into a ministerial role. The church held services in the parsonage and other locations while plans for a new building resumed. After three years of having services in the parsonage, the congregation celebrated its move to the completed building on October 11, 1987. 

 

After Rev. Covington’s retirement in 1988, Rev. Frank Parker filled in until Rev. Garth Baker-Fletcher was called, enhancing the music ministry until resigning in 1990 to pursue advanced studies. 

 

Deacon Nathaniel Holloway and the Diaconate maintained leadership until Dr. Arthur L. Hilson took over in March 1991. Rev. Hilson led New Hope for over 28 years, fostering lively worship and community involvement until his passing in 2019. Following his death, the ministerial team Pastor Hilson had assembled, including Rev. Celeste Bragg, Rev. Ryan Tankersley, Minister Dorothy Holloway, and Minister Sylverser Dye, provided leadership during the search for a new pastor. 

 

March 2020 saw he church adapt to the challenges of the global pandemic by moving services online and inviting guest ministers to "fill the pulpit".

 

 In 2022, the congregation welcomed Rev. Dr. Lillian Buckley as Interim Pastor until her resignation in July 2024. The pulpit committee resumed its search, and Rev. Dr. Jerrell Riggins was called as the next pastor and officially installed in April 2025.