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2018 SESSION

18106948D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 319
Offered February 21, 2018
Commending New Hope Baptist Church.
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Patrons-- Price; Senator: Mason
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WHEREAS, in 2017, New Hope Baptist Church in Hampton celebrated its 50th anniversary of providing spiritual leadership, fellowship, and opportunities for worship to the community; and

WHEREAS, New Hope Baptist Church traces its origins to 1967, when a group of worshippers from New Emmanuel Baptist Church in Newport News resolved to establish a new faith community; and

WHEREAS, during its early days, New Hope Baptist Church had 50 members and met in a North Avenue storefront; the congregation later held services at Carver High School and the Taborian Hall before moving into its first church building in April 1969; and

WHEREAS, the Reverend C.B. Potts served as New Hope Baptist Church’s first pastor; following his resignation in 1969, the church was briefly led by the Reverend W.W. Butler; and

WHEREAS, in 1970, the Reverend G.I. Melton became pastor of New Hope Baptist Church; under his able leadership, the church added 100 new worshippers, made numerous improvements to its physical space, and created several new choirs as well as a Deaconess Ministry, Ushers’ Ministry, Missionary Circle, Children’s Church Ministry, and Transportation Ministry; and

WHEREAS, the Reverend Ivan Harris became leader of the New Hope Baptist Church family in 1982; during his tenure, the church created an evangelism team and established its Annual Gospel Festival; and

WHEREAS, the Reverend Virgil J. Newkirk joined New Hope Baptist Church as pastor in 1989; he was then succeeded in 1995 by the church’s current pastor, the Reverend Christopher C. Carter; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Carter’s tenure at New Hope Baptist Church has seen the addition of numerous new ministries, including the Women’s Fellowship, Men’s Fellowship, Seniors’ Ministry, and New Members classes; and

WHEREAS, in 2004, New Hope Baptist Church voted to construct a new church building to meet the needs of its growing congregation; the first services in the new space on Big Bethel Road were held in June 2006; and

WHEREAS, throughout its history, New Hope Baptist Church has spread the gospel to countless people and been a force for good in the community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend New Hope Baptist Church for its service to the residents of Hampton on the occasion of its 50th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to New Hope Baptist Church as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for the church’s impressive legacy of fellowship and spiritual guidance.