GREATER NEW HOPE BAPTIST CHURCH HISTORY
Rev. E.D. Lairry resigned as Pastor from New Hope Baptist on Wednesday, January 6, 1999 under the direction of the Holy Spirit. The first organizational meeting was held at the home of Reverend and Sister Edward Lairry on Saturday, January 10, 1999. Present with Reverend Lairry were Brother Isiah Bennett, Brother Brian Dixon, and the following associate ministers: Reverend Luther Green, Reverend Ralph Price, Reverend Al Morgan, Reverend Conrad Proctor, and Reverend Patrick Green. The Greater New Hope Baptist Church was founded and organized on Sunday, January 17, 1999 by Pastor Edward Doyle Lairry under the guidance of the Holy Spirit during the second organizational meeting which was held at the Glenview Recreational Center. The trustees appointed by the Pastor were Brother Isiah Bennett, Brother Brian Dixon, and Brother Harry Gordon Sr. Sister Cheryl Bennett appointed as financial Secretary, and Sister Charisse Green as Church Secretary. A devotional message was given by the Pastor entitled "The Solution is in Jesus". The invitation was extended by Pastor Lairry to those who desired to continue under his leadership. A membership roll of 91 was established on this day, and tithes and offering were brought into the storehouse. The third organizational meeting was held at the same center on Sunday, January 24, 1999. Devotional message entitled "What have you allowed to separate you from the Love of God?" Pastor Lairry announced the good news that a building had been located for worship services in the McAlmont community of North Little Rock at 510 East 49th St. The invitation was extended and 43 more members were added. Departments were formed by the Pastor. He appointed Reverend Patrick Green as Superintendent of the Sunday school. Over the music department, Sister Christy Momphrey, Sister Miranda Lairry, Brother Ronald McDowell, and Brother Randall Lairry. Usher Board President, Sister Cathy Green with 27 strong members. Our Holy Ghost filled Motherboard, Mother Lucille Veasly, as President, Mother Christine Crudup, Mother Claudia Johnson, Mother Sylvia Bailey, Mother Ivie Buie, Mother Erma Phillips, Mother Gloria Davis, Mother Bessie Hill, Mother Blonce Franklin, and Honorary Mother Ruby Griggs. Our Youth Department was formed with Sister Anita Sutton and Marguerite Shaw as Youth Directors, and Sister Vicki Nichols as Educational Director. Our official first service was Sunday, January 31, 1999. The pews filled and we praised God to the highest. Giving Him praises for allowing us to come this far. The choir blessed our hearts with" Jesus is the Perfect Answer". Pastor Lairry came with the Word of God from Ephesians 5:25-27, "The Church We Need." We all knew that God had a blessing in store. With God still in control and the congregation obedient, we were blessed with two vans within two months, and both were paid in cash. Brother Thurston Larry was appointed as Transportation Director, and his staff Sister Frenchia Ellington, Sister Cathy Green, Sister Kaye Davis, and Sister Debra Momphrey as drivers. Since then, the Church has been blessed with more vans. On Sunday, August 15th we were escorted from 510 East 49th (old location) to 1723 West 44th our new church home. Trusting in God every step of the way the Lord has blessed each of us above measures. Ministries have been put into action. Our Clothing and Food Ministry was organized for those in need of free clothing, and food. The Mission Society, with Tonya Green appointed as President, takes the Word of God to nursing homes, prisons, and to the sick and shut-in. Brotherhood, Hair Cutting Ministry, Rehabilitation Program are other ministries that we have in place. Along with our GNH Daycare which opened in July of 2000. Our present membership is well over 450 members. There is no doubt that a vision from God was given to our Pastor. Everything has fallen into place as God planned. People were put in our pathway to bless us. As we continue to win souls to Christ we believe that Christian education is the key. Our Motto is Reaching, Teaching, & Preaching the Word of God. We celebrate our 9th anniversary, on January 20, 2008. We pray that God will continue to touch and heal His people. There are many visions that God gives our Pastor. As he follows God we will follow him. Jesus said in John 16:32,"And if I be lifted up from this earth, I'll draw all men unto me." In Memory of our Beloved First Lady Sister Marva Lee Lairry February 21, 1949-August 7, 1999. We miss you so much that words can't explain the feeling. We pray that God continue to allow your spirit to be in our presence. You have touched many people in ways just with your smile, laughs, words of kindness, and humorous personality. We love you! The Lairry Family, Greater New HopeBaptist Church Family. |
