History of New Hope Baptist Church
Coal Valley, Illinois
New Hope Baptist Church traces its origins to a vision of addressing the spiritual needs of Coal Valley, Illinois, a community that lacked a Southern Baptist Church. Through the dedication of its founding members and the guidance of God, the church grew from a small mission to a thriving congregation.
Early Beginnings
In the early 1970s, Dr. W.J. Fritts recognized the need for a Southern Baptist presence in Coal Valley. He took the lead by organizing mission services, conducting Bible clubs, and carrying out community surveys and visitation. By late 1974, Dr. Fritts initiated Home Bible Study Fellowships in his home and in the homes of David Newcom in Coal Valley and Clayton Cockerill in Orion, setting the foundation for what was to come.
On Sunday, July 27, 1975, the First Baptist Church of Green Rock commissioned the Fritts, Newcom, and Cockerill families to form the core of a new mission, the Coal Valley Baptist Chapel. Financial support came from Broadmoor Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee, and Paradise Baptist Church in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Services began in the Coal Valley Masonic Hall.
Growth and Establishment
Dr. Fritts resigned as pastor in March 1976, and Jim Collins of Moline served as interim pastor until Bro. Sam Duncan was called to lead in August 1976. On March 6, 1977, the chapel was formally constituted as the Coal Valley Baptist Church.
In October 1978, the church purchased 5.4 acres of land at its current location. Under the guidance of Dean Pruitt, the church also initiated outreach efforts with the Spanish-speaking community in Moline.
Building the Church
In November 1978, Bro. Duncan resigned, and Bro. Henry Ramey became interim pastor in January 1979, later accepting the role full-time in May 1979. That year, John Lujan of Texas joined the church to minister to Moline's Spanish-speaking residents.
Construction of the church building began in May 1982, following years of preparation. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on August 1, 1982, with construction starting in September. By May 15, 1983, the congregation held its first services in the new building, with 107 attendees in Sunday School and 126 in worship.
Challenges and Resilience
During the economic struggles of the 1980s, the church faced financial challenges but continued to grow under Bro. Ramey’s leadership. In October 1987, E.J. Cole was called as Associate Pastor.
In May 1989, Bro. Ramey retired, and Dr. Steven Smith succeeded him in June. Leadership transitions followed, with Bro. Byron Wooten serving as pastor from October 1992 until 1994.
A New Name and Renewed Mission
In May 1995, the church merged with Baptist Temple in Colona but retained its Coal Valley location. With the merger, the church adopted the name New Hope Baptist Church, under the leadership of Bro. Edmon Clemmons.
Continued Service
Through the years, New Hope Baptist Church experienced several leadership changes. Interim and full-time pastors, including Bro. Robert G. Poor, Bro. James Grieme, Bro. Tracy Irvin, and Rev. Jamie Miller, guided the congregation.
In January 2017, Bro. Jon Sedgwick began serving as interim pastor, later accepting the call as part-time pastor in June 2017. Bro. Sedgwick transitioned to full-time service and continues to lead the church today.
Looking Forward
From its humble beginnings in the 1970s to its present role as a spiritual home in Coal Valley, New Hope Baptist Church remains steadfast in its mission to share God’s love and serve the community. Its history reflects a legacy of faith, resilience, and dedication to fulfilling God’s purpose.
