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By: Katheryn Grady

The New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, with its illustrious history, began from the humblest of beginnings. This past Sunday, its congregation celebrated 150 years of serving the Fredonia community as a place of worship.

In 1874, a community of Christian leaders, led by Rev. W.L. Boyd, sought a place to worship, leading to the establishment of the New Hope Baptist Church. The first meeting took place under a “Brush Arbor” at the current location, five miles south of Fredonia in Chambers County, Alabama. 

Mr. Luther Turner, Sr. generously donated a tract of land, upon which Boyd and others laid the foundation and completed a wood frame building.

In 1919, the historical Rosenwald New Hope School was constructed on the church’s campus, serving many church members and others in the Black Fredonia community. This school, now listed on the National Registry of Historical Places, is owned by the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church and operated by the New Hope Foundation.

Under God’s divine direction, a new sanctuary was built in 1928 under the leadership of Rev. R.L. Yarbrough.

In 1971, the present location was established during the tenure of Rev. R.V. Vines, who served as the church leader for 28 years. Throughout its history, God has appointed Shepherds over the New Hope Baptist Church flock to guide, care for, and teach the word of God. Currently, Rev. Terrence Hughley serves as the Shepherd of the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Fredonia.

The 150th anniversary in 2024 is a significant milestone that highlights the community’s rich history. This includes photos of the first church building as well as the current one, along with images of former pastors, articles about its humble beginnings, and photos of former and current members and the various ministries, all preserved in the church archives.

“As we celebrate this Sesquicentennial year, we resolve to follow the guidance and leadership of the Holy Spirit and trust God to be faithful to His Word,” said Kathryn Grady, church member and descendant of Boyd. “The descendants of Boyd are actively involved in the church today as well as other descendants from the community. By reflecting on our rich and colorful past, we prepare for a glorious future and the challenges of a bright new tomorrow. We boldly acknowledge and accept God at His Word.”