WHO WE ARE

"A Beacon Light For Christ"

On Friday evening, November 12, 1971, agroup of sincere Christians met in the home of the late Mrs. Osceola Irons and Mr. Herman Irons, for the express purpose of organizing a church. The late Dr. Woodrow Wilson Taylor, then Pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church of Chicago, Illinois and President of the Progressive State Convention, served as moderator for this event. The late Rev. R.L. Buckner, then moderator for the Progressive District State Convention, served as councilman for this momentous occassion. A unanimous vote to organize was adopted on motion of the late Deacon Wert Cobb Sr. On this date, 160 persons were recorded as charter members.

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Naming the church --- Serveral names were submitted, but the name New Hope received a majority vote. 

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"How shall they hear without a preacher?" Rev. Hosea N. Edwards was the unanimous choice as New Hope's first pastor. The first offical service was held on Sunday, November 14, 1971 at New First Church of God in Christ on 13th & Woodlawn in Chicago Heights, Illinois. From November 18, 1971 until February 6, 1972 services were held at the Jones Memorial Community Center. The building 284 East 14th Street appeared to be more feasbile and centrally located. All labor was done cost free by the membership. The historic march from the Irons' home took place on Sunday, February 13, 1972. Upon arrival at the church, the late Trustee Monroe Presley presented the keys to Pastor Edwards. Rev. Edwards delivered his farewell sermon on Sunday, January 28, 1973.

The late Rev. W.H. Sherrod, Sr. was elected as New Hope's second pastor on June 3, 1973. Under the Pastorate of the late Rev. Sherrod, the building fund was established in order to acquire land and build our present edifice. On March 31, 1996, the late Rev. Sherrod retired as Pastor after more than 22 years of service.

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Rev. Matthew H. Amos was elected to be our third pastor on May 27, 1997. Our membership has increased under his leadership. On October 16, 2011, God saw fit to elevate Pastor Amos to the office of Bishop. We are excited to be "A Beacon Light For Christ" not only in our lives, but to the community as well. We thank God that during these perilous times - the economy being high, crime rate continually increasing, homelessness, and an increase in the mortality rate of our children - we can "Stand Firm" on the promises of God knowing that if we continue to be the church that God has called us to be, He will continue to take us to higher heights, bless us, and pour out His spirit upon us to win souls. Because His Word says, "If I be lifted up from the earth, I'll draw all men unto me."