About Us

A great work began in the year 1916 when the late Rev. John C. Cook organized the first black church in the Ryon's Addition Community of Houston.  He established the New Hope Freewill Missionary Baptist Church, in his home at 1619 Griffin St.  The community supported his vision and many joined with him in spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ.  Rev. Cook's vision and supporters out grew the confines of his living room and soon found themselves in need of a place to worship.  As a result, the increasing congregation built a church building located at 5202 Chapman where the current edifice now stands.

Rev. Cook's vision included a strong belief and interest in the education of young people, and for that reason, the new church building, and location was also home of the first black public school in the Ryon's Addition community.  The school was named James D. Ryan Elementary and has thrived for more than seventy-four years.   In May 2004, the school was closed and is now being used as a training facility for the Houston Independent School District.  Rev. Cook also initiated petitions to obtain the first public utilities in the Ryon's community.  Rev. Cook served as pastor from 1916 to1939.  
Rev. V. Coleman was then called to pastor the church for a short period of time. There is no recorded information concerning this pastorate.

In 1963, Rev. L. T. Jackson was called to pastor the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church.  He spent much time pointing souls to Christ.  New Hope continued to stand as a light on the corner for lost souls to find refuge. Rev. Jackson continued the association with the conventions. As the congregation grew, auxiliaries in the church were formed and progressed as well. Rev. Jackson served as pastor 1939-1963.  
Following the death of Rev. L.T. Jackson, the New Hope congregation was in need of a pastor.  On April 14, 1963, Rev. S.V. Adolph Sr. was called to pastor the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church.  During his ministry, the New Hope Baptist Church continued to grow both spiritually and in membership. Throughout the years, the church building weathered many storms and the deterioration was ever so evident that we were in need of a new edifice to worship in.  A new church was built and on January 22, 1978, the current building was dedicated to God.

On December 20, 1988, Rev. Carlton O. Sylvester was elected as Assistant Pastor.  He faithfully served and supported Rev. Adolph in the ministry of the Gospel.
In April 2008, with much prayer and guidance from the Holy Spirit, Rev. Adolph retired as pastor of New Hope.  He served as Pastor Emeritus until his death on April 13, 2011.

On June 2, 2008, the New Hope Baptist Church congregation unanimously nominated and voted Rev. Carlton O. Sylvester Sr. as Pastor of the New Hope Baptist Church.  On Sunday, August 3, 2008, Rev. Sylvester was installed to the office of Pastor.  His mission is to rebuild, restore, and lead souls to Christ.

Under his leadership, Pastor Sylvester presented church by-laws to the congregation which were voted on and adopted in 2008.  New Hope Baptist Church is now an incorporated entity and has obtained a 501(c)(3) status with the State of Texas.  In addition, the church purchased the property directly adjacent at 5201 Terry Street and has plans to use this property for parking and future expansion as the ministries at New Hope continue to grow.

As we continue in the faith that has brought us thus far, it is our prayer that the coming years will bring many bountiful blessings from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  New Hope Baptist Church continues to be the cornerstone of the community by equipping the saints to go out and share the Good News of Jesus Christ.  There are many memorable facts and events that have been recorded and accomplished since inception that we treasure deeply in our hearts.  We thank God for the continuous growth of the ministries at New Hope.