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This congregation was first organized in early 1906 by the Rev. Mr. Stevenson, Nancy Copeland (Coplan), Laura Herbert and Sharlit Bill (Beal). As the local African American population grew, eleven more people joined the group. They called the Rev. A. D. Hendon as pastor and officially established the first Baptist church for African Americans in Port Arthur. They named the church New Hope Baptist Church. Church officers were Professor A. J. Criner, head of the Young People's Union and chairman of the deacon board, and W. M. Richardson, Sunday School superintendent. Early services were held in a horse stable which members cleared out on the weekends for church use. Other church programs included a woman's home mission society. The congregation erected its first building in 1909 during the pastorate of the Rev. J. E. Nelson, but it was destroyed by storms and flooding. The second building met the same fate, and many early church records were destroyed. This pattern continued for many years and was a common problem before the seawall was built in Port Arthur. The congregation cultivated a strong relationship with nearby Israel Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church and the two groups occasionally shared facilities. Another close bond was forged with West Tabernacle Baptist Church of Beaumont between 1910 and 1920 when the Rev J. W. Williams served both churches simultaneously. The church thrived throughout the 20th century, calling pastors and repairing worship structures as needed. The congregation sponsored many community service efforts and was host to several community organizations. In 1982 a new sanctuary ws dedicated. New Hope Baptist Church members continue to worship in the traditions of their founders. (2000) Incise on base: Officially Organized August 12,1906 |
