People, Locations, Episodes

The New Hope Baptist Church (Newark) Opens

*On this date in 1903, the New Hope Baptist Church of Newark was organized. It is one of the oldest Black churches in the state of New Jersey.

It was created in Newark, New Jersey, when the population was around 76,300,000, and women still had no right to vote. Addie and Maggie Vine, two sisters, organized the New Hope Baptist Church in a room on Drift Street (in Newark).

The church was incorporated in 1911 when it was uncommon for churches to gather and assemble in large groups. It was located at 232 Central Avenue. Over its 100-year existence, the New Hope Baptist Church has only had 6 Pastors.

The current Pastor is Reverend Joe A. Carter. The church's vision is to be "Purpose-Driven with Five-Star Excellence, Ministering to the Total Man." There is a dire need to serve this present age spiritually, economically, physically, and emotionally. The New Hope Baptist Church is a full-time ministry, with areas of need being addressed yearly. There is a 6-day per-week Food Program.

A Clothing Ministry aids those in need of clothing, and a Substance Abuse and Referral Ministry exists to aid those who are addicted and have realized they need a way out. As the church has grown, so have its ministries, and most of the events and activities are held during June. New Hope celebrates its church's anniversary yearly on the third Sunday in September.