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The history of New Hope African Methodist Episcopal Church (AMEC) of Waldorf is a spiritual experience of people dedicated to Kingdom Building for the Glory of God. It is the recollection of how this organized group worked side by side, sharing joys and sorrows, facing responsibilities, conflicts and rewards. Through it all continuing to stand up for Christ in a hostile world. New Hope’s first 20 years exemplifies the beauty of the lives of those who struggle in the vineyard touching the lives of their families, the community, the state and the nation.
It all began in April 1985 at the 35th Session of the Washington Annual Conference (WAC) of the Second Episcopal District (2nd Dist). The WAC under the leadership of The Right Reverend/Bishop John Hurst Adams, mandated that a Church with mission status be established in the Capital District in the city of Waldorf, Maryland at the request of Reverend (Rev.) Ronald A. Boykin. Rev. Walter Hildebrand was the Presiding Elder.
The church was established under the auspices of Allen Chapel AME Church, Washington, District of Columbia (DC) as Waldorf AME Church. On Sunday, May 26, 1985, the first worship service was held at Arthur Middleton Elementary School, located in the Saint Charles community of Waldorf, Maryland. Rev. Leon Lipscomb, Pastor, Allen Chapel AME Church presided over the service and the appointed pastor Rev. Boykin delivered the initial sermon. On that Sunday 15 Children of God became formal disciples under Rev. Boykin’s leadership.
Over the years the Church grew in quantity and quality as membership steadily increased. The church was blessed in 1986 with the arrival of Rev. Frances Fullwood who served as an Assistant to the pastor. We were again blessed in 1987 and 1988 with two additional assistants, Reverends Robbie Morton and Charles McNeal in that order. These ministers brought with them additional Christian teachings and a sincere and dedicated desire to assist Rev. Boykin in meeting the spiritual needs of the church family and the community.
God said, He would supply all of our needs according to His riches in glory. Through committed tithes, offerings and gracious gifts, Waldorf AME Church was able to purchase 15 acres of land on Middletown Road in Waldorf.
In 1987, in search of a more user friendly facility, the Church relocated to John Hansen Middle School also in the Waldorf community.
In 1990, the WAC appointed Rev. Christine Moore to lead Waldorf AME Church. Under her leadership the church continued to flourish and grow in Christ. She was joined by Rev. Donna Butts as an Assistant to the Pastor. The Church was also blessed with the presence of Brother Kenneth Ayers an aspiring minister. Both Rev. Butts and Brother Ayers continued to work toward the spiritual growth and development of the Church body. Rev. Moore made the initial contact with the previous owner of our first edifice in Washington Square.
In May 1992, Rev. George Ray, Sr. an anointed and dedicated man of God was appointed by WAC to continue Gods work at Waldorf AMEC. He contributed to the spiritual and physical growth of this Church Family. Under his leadership the church was formally renamed New Hope AME Church of Waldorf.
In September 1992, stepping out on faith, the Church moved to our first edifice in Washington Square. We were able through the riches of God’s glory to purchase the building. During Rev. Ray’s stewardship he nurtured the spirit that has characterized New Hope. He continued to work toward helping us to develop as Christian Disciples and to live up to our Church motto: “A Praying Congregation With A Mind to Work. Rev Ray and the officers of New Hope negotiated with the owner of then Olympus Gym regarding the purchase of our current edifice.
We were blessed in 1998 as Sister Joanne Wilson and Brother Jerald Graham accepted an expansion on their ministry and were licensed as Exhorters. In 1999 Rev. Franchester Ray accepted God’s call on her life and was ordained as a Local Elder at New Hope. These dedicated followers of Christ using their wealth of spiritual knowledge added to the spiritual life of the church and community.
In January 2000, Rev. George Ray went home to be with the Lord. The fellowship Hall in our current facility was given the name George M. Ray Fellowship Hall and was dedicated in his memory.
Rev. Goodwin Douglas the Presiding Elder, served as interim pastor from January to June, when our current pastor was appointed by the WAC. Rev. Douglas provided innovative ideas to assist the members with the purchase of this facility. Thereby continuing Rev. Ray’s dream of moving into our current facility.
Rev. Kenneth Young was appointed as our pastor June 2. 2000. Rev. Young a dedicated and anointed man of God has continued to enhance our spiritual growth through his anointed teaching and preaching. Rev. Kimberly Young, (the wife of the pastor), was appointed as the Assistant to the Pastor. This dynamic couple has truly blessed us spiritually and personally. Brother Ronald Gray served as the Youth Minister under Rev. Young until May 2004. In 2003 Rev. Bobby Hinton was sent to New Hope by then Bishop Vinton R. Anderson to assist with church growth and development.
In November 2000, under Rev. Young’s leadership we moved into our current edifice which we are purchasing. On September 9, 2001 this facility was dedicated by Bishop Vinton R. Anderson.
Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson presided over the Mortgage Burning Ceremony for the burning of the mortgage on our first edifice on January 21, 2005.
The church suffered major damage due to a storm in May 2002. It is currently undergoing restoration.
New Hope AME Church is living evidence of God’s grace and redemptive love. We are blessed as a result of our past accomplishments, realizing that all glory is to God and without Him, none of our achievements would have been possible. To God Be The Glory! |
Facts about the A.M.E. Church· The only denomination founded for the purpose of racial equality in religious worship. However was not established as a segregated church.· Was founded by a former slave, Richard Allen, who purchased his freedom.· Established the Free African Society for the purpose of enhancing the spiritual and social life for black people.· The denomination was instrumental in the emancipation of slaves – sent a delegation to speak with President Lincoln to persuade him that slavery was inhumane.· Is the oldest institutions owned and operated by black people in the U.S. is the A.M.E. Church.· Was instrumental in the Underground Railroad that led slaves from the south to freedom in the north. Metropolitan A.M.E, Washington, DC oldest black owned property in Washington, DC.· Established the first institutions of higher learning for black people, some of which are still in existence: Wilberforce University, Morris-Brown College, Payne Theological Seminary. |
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CHURCH HISTORY |
