New Hope Baptist United Church of Christ opened its doors November 18, 2012, when the Reverend Kenneth H. King, heeded the call of God to start the affirming and inclusive ministry of New Hope. New Hope started with 12 committed members attending weekly Bible Studies in Pastor King’s home in Washington, DC in September 2012.

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In October 2012, New Hope signed a lease agreement with Oaklands Presbyterian Church in Laurel, MD.  New Hope’s initial place of worship in Laurel, MD, was a wonderful shared space where several congregations worshipped together. During our years in Laurel, we held several joint services with our host church, Oaklands Presbyterian Church and Oaklands continues to be a connected and important part of our past and present ministry.  During our first year, we ordained our first and the current Diaconate Chair, Ron Akins, along with several other deacons. 

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In May 2015, New Hope relocated to Washington, DC; initially worshipping at the First Trinity Lutheran Church on 4th Street, NW. In May of 2015, New Hope appointed a new and our current Minister of Music, Maurice Mayo. While we fellowshipped at 1st Trinity, we selected our second and current Trustee Chair, Angelina Clark.

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After five wonderful years at 1st Trinity,  Pastor King and Rev. Graylan Hagler, Senior Pastor of Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ had conversations about moving New Hope to available space at Plymouth. January 2019, in a unanimous decision, the New Hope congregation voted to relocate to Plymouth Congregational UCC. Sunday, June 7, 2019, was New Hope’s first service in the Chapel of Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ. New Hope continues to worship in and with Plymouth. The congregations celebrate and embrace each other as we focus on the path ahead. In addition to his pastoral duties at New Hope, Pastor King currently serves as a member of Plymouth’s Ministerial Team.