| New hope baptist church 5002 s. Central expressway Dallas, Texas |
Dallas' Oldest African-American Witness
Founded in 1873 by African-Americans
Founded in 1873 by African-Americans
| The History of the New Hope Baptist Church Continued...... |
The school opened under Professor S. H. Smothers. Thus, under the leadership of New Hope Church, the first high school for
Blacks in Dallas was begun. Later it was transferred to Brazoria County, as the Dallas County needs were being met by city
authorities. Rev. Griggs became the leader of the Negro Baptist High School movement in Texas, including Centennial College in
Marshall, Texas.
When the increasing number of graduates led to concern for the founding of Baptist College in Texas, the American Baptist Home
Mission Society and the Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention of Texas turned to Rev. Griggs and sent representatives of
New Hope to secure a leave of absence for him to act as a traveling agent for the college. He helped to determine the location and
collected hundreds of dollars or the founding of Bishop College. He and David Abner, of Marshall, were the two Negroes among the
original trustees of the college. As an old timer said, "For a long time everything educational for Blacks began at New Hope."
Under Rev. Griggs, New Hope Church attacked the problem of the monogamous family life and stabilized home and marriage life,
and parental responsibility. Home ownership and improvement were encouraged. Manners and etiquette were common subjects of
discussion among the people. The “Talented Tenth” found opportunities to engage in speech activities like debates and recitations.
Those with musical talent were encouraged to sing and take music lessons. Traveling Negro musicians and speakers as well as
Whites stopped by the church. Politicians spoke to the people during these hectic days of the struggle of Negroes to protect their
gains of Reconstruction. Under his leadership the church established a Benevolent Society to help take care of the sick and the dead.
Rev. Griggs set the pattern of dignified and orderly worship and Christian accountability of its members. According to a previous
history committee, "Prior to 1899, scores of members were excluded from this church for the following reasons (singly of course):
dancing, being drunk, suing a fellow member in civil court, going to the show, swearing, swindling, domestic troubles, refusing to
pay back church dues, and being a leader of a baseball league." Throughout the century, New Hope has challenged its member to
accept the best in every phase of Christian worship and discipleship. While at New Hope, Rev. Griggs edited and published the first
colored Baptist organ and possibly the first Negro newspaper in Texas. Unfortunately, copies of this paper cannot be located but
references to it, indicate that its articles covered the range of problems of the Negro and offered comfort, advice, and injected
courage at a time when Negroes needed it most. New Hope grew and prospered under Rev. Griggs. In 1880, the church bought the
lot at the corner of San Jacinto and Bogel Streets and erected a house costing $4,000, forty by sixty feet.. Rev. R. C. Buckner tells
how on February 6, 1881 before a great Baptismal service in the new building, Rev. Griggs called for a collection saying "Put in
your change for current expenses and your big money to call the meeting house. The Lord might blow the top off this house if you
don't ceil it. Many thanks to all of you, both White and Black for a liberal offering. The people marched around the table singing."
I must do the work required of me
Religion is so sweet
I undertake and must go through
Religion is so sweet.
Having succeeded with the finances, the Baptismal services went forward and what a glorious service for the Lord.
Rev. Griggs was truly one of God's trombones whose works sounded the coming of New Hope to the people. When he gave up the
responsibilities of the church to become general missionary of the State Convention with the support of the B.M.E. Convention, the
General Baptist Convention (White) and the American Baptist Home Mission Society, THE DALLAS DAILY HERALD said:
"He leaves the church in peace and harmony, with a membership of four hundred and fifty, with several well organized societies.
The church reluctantly gives him up because his loss is irreparable. He is a man of unblemished moral character, sterling honesty
and more than ordinary intelligence. The church will wait with much anxiety for his return to the pastoral care."
The next pastor was the Rev. C. N. Pryor whose pastorate was short (1884-90). Recollections of this Pastor and his lovely wife
have been passed on by the children of the founders. He was thoroughly Christian and commanded the respect of all who knew
him. The Rev. Pryor was a dignified man who upheld the noble tradition of the church. New Hope Church continued to grow and
play an important role in the advance of the Negro and the Dallas community.
The Rev. E. W. D. Isaac was elected pastor in 1890 and served to 1898. He was born in Washington County, Texas June 2, 1863.
At an early age his family moved to Waskom, Harrison County, Texas. Here he attended the public schools and later graduated from
Centennial Baptist Academy at Marshall. He was one of the early students at Bishop College. Graduating from the Normal and
Theology courses, he became an outstanding teacher and preacher in the area of the Texas/Louisiana District Association.
As a young preacher, he was so profound and moving that crowds flocked to hear him, "Ed Isaac is to preach tonight" was all that
was needed to call men and women to church. As district missionary of the Texas-Louisiana Association, he wielded tremendous
spiritual influence in East Texas. He had a passion for the cause of the church and the Negro people. At Bishop College he became
involved in the study of Christian education, particularly Sunday School and Young People's Movements. During the 1880's he
became the outstanding Negro representative in Texas of the American Bible Society and distributed tracts on the Bible and newer
methods in Christian Education. Between 1896 and 1898, he was closely associated with the Sunday school and Calportays
Convention of the General Baptist Convention of Texas which was most enthusiastic in the developing of Sunday school and Young
People's Movements. Therefore, as Secretary of the State Sunday School Convention and General Missionary and Corresponding
Secretary of the B.M.E. Convention of Texas, he contributed much to the progress of newer methods in Sunday school and
Missionary Education in Black Baptist Churches. He was one of the pioneers of the old B.Y.P.U. Movement which is now called the
Baptist Training Union.
He brought to New Hope a dynamic pulpiteer and Christian educator and a man who stood high in the councils of the Baptist
denomination. He was highly respected by both the Black and White leadership. As one would expect, the Sunday School and
Missionary activities in the church took on new dimensions of enthusiasm. But it was in the Sunday Evening young people's
activities that New Hope became the attraction of the young people of Dallas. The talented youth found in the B. Y.P.U. an
opportunity to display all kinds of speech and musical abilities. The discussions encouraged extemporaneous speaking. The pastor
led the young in spirited song services, there were also social activities conducted according to the best practices of etiquette. The
students at the Dallas Colored High School enjoyed the fellowship with this unusual pastor.
As a young preacher, he was so profound and moving that crowds flocked to hear him, "Ed Isaac is to preach tonight" was all that
was needed to call men and women to church. As district missionary of the Texas-Louisiana Association, he wielded tremendous
spiritual influence in East Texas. He had a passion for the cause of the church and the Negro people. At Bishop College he became
involved in the study of Christian education, particularly Sunday School and Young People's Movements. During the 1880's he
became the outstanding Negro representative in Texas of the American Bible Society and distributed tracts on the Bible and newer
methods in Christian Education. Between 1896 and 1898, he was closely associated with the Sunday school and Calportays
Convention of the General Baptist Convention of Texas which was most enthusiastic in the developing of Sunday school and Young
People's Movements. Therefore, as Secretary of the State Sunday School Convention and General Missionary and Corresponding
Secretary of the B.M.E. Convention of Texas, he contributed much to the progress of newer methods in Sunday school and
Missionary Education in Black Baptist Churches. He was one of the pioneers of the old B.Y.P.U. Movement which is now called the
Baptist Training Union.
He brought to New Hope a dynamic pulpiteer and Christian educator and a man who stood high in the councils of the Baptist
denomination. He was highly respected by both the Black and White leadership. As one would expect, the Sunday School and
Missionary activities in the church took on new dimensions of enthusiasm. But it was in the Sunday Evening young people's
activities that New Hope became the attraction of the young people of Dallas. The talented youth found in the B. Y.P.U. an
opportunity to display all kinds of speech and musical abilities. The discussions encouraged extemporaneous speaking. The pastor
led the young in spirited song services, there were also social activities conducted according to the best practices of etiquette. The
students at the Dallas Colored High School enjoyed the fellowship with this unusual pastor.
Like his predecessors, Rev. Isaac was deeply concerned about community problems. The 1890's were strenuous years in the life of
the Negroes of Texas. They were fighting for their very political life and against Jim Crow laws which were designed to place them
in segregated communities. Rev. Isaac was wide awake to racial matters and often clashed with city officials and white groups who
were seeking to disfranchise and discriminate against the Negro. He was proprietor and manager of the Star Publishing Company
associated with Dallas Express which quickly became known as one of the most militant Negro newspaper in the defense of Negro
rights and in the general progress of race. His sharp denunciations of those who falsely accused Negroes of crimes committed by
others got him into trouble and in 1898, Rev. Isaac resigned to become the first Secretary of the National Baptist B.Y.P.U. Board at
Nashville, Tennessee, which position he held until his death. In this position he was succeeded by his son, the Rev. E.W.D. Isaac,
Jr. Dr. Isaac was of national fame as an orator, a prince of American Baptist Preachers, and one of American's most distinguished
religious educators. New Hope can never forget his contributions to her century of service in Christian worship and services.
Blacks in Dallas was begun. Later it was transferred to Brazoria County, as the Dallas County needs were being met by city
authorities. Rev. Griggs became the leader of the Negro Baptist High School movement in Texas, including Centennial College in
Marshall, Texas.
When the increasing number of graduates led to concern for the founding of Baptist College in Texas, the American Baptist Home
Mission Society and the Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention of Texas turned to Rev. Griggs and sent representatives of
New Hope to secure a leave of absence for him to act as a traveling agent for the college. He helped to determine the location and
collected hundreds of dollars or the founding of Bishop College. He and David Abner, of Marshall, were the two Negroes among the
original trustees of the college. As an old timer said, "For a long time everything educational for Blacks began at New Hope."
Under Rev. Griggs, New Hope Church attacked the problem of the monogamous family life and stabilized home and marriage life,
and parental responsibility. Home ownership and improvement were encouraged. Manners and etiquette were common subjects of
discussion among the people. The “Talented Tenth” found opportunities to engage in speech activities like debates and recitations.
Those with musical talent were encouraged to sing and take music lessons. Traveling Negro musicians and speakers as well as
Whites stopped by the church. Politicians spoke to the people during these hectic days of the struggle of Negroes to protect their
gains of Reconstruction. Under his leadership the church established a Benevolent Society to help take care of the sick and the dead.
Rev. Griggs set the pattern of dignified and orderly worship and Christian accountability of its members. According to a previous
history committee, "Prior to 1899, scores of members were excluded from this church for the following reasons (singly of course):
dancing, being drunk, suing a fellow member in civil court, going to the show, swearing, swindling, domestic troubles, refusing to
pay back church dues, and being a leader of a baseball league." Throughout the century, New Hope has challenged its member to
accept the best in every phase of Christian worship and discipleship. While at New Hope, Rev. Griggs edited and published the first
colored Baptist organ and possibly the first Negro newspaper in Texas. Unfortunately, copies of this paper cannot be located but
references to it, indicate that its articles covered the range of problems of the Negro and offered comfort, advice, and injected
courage at a time when Negroes needed it most. New Hope grew and prospered under Rev. Griggs. In 1880, the church bought the
lot at the corner of San Jacinto and Bogel Streets and erected a house costing $4,000, forty by sixty feet.. Rev. R. C. Buckner tells
how on February 6, 1881 before a great Baptismal service in the new building, Rev. Griggs called for a collection saying "Put in
your change for current expenses and your big money to call the meeting house. The Lord might blow the top off this house if you
don't ceil it. Many thanks to all of you, both White and Black for a liberal offering. The people marched around the table singing."
I must do the work required of me
Religion is so sweet
I undertake and must go through
Religion is so sweet.
Having succeeded with the finances, the Baptismal services went forward and what a glorious service for the Lord.
Rev. Griggs was truly one of God's trombones whose works sounded the coming of New Hope to the people. When he gave up the
responsibilities of the church to become general missionary of the State Convention with the support of the B.M.E. Convention, the
General Baptist Convention (White) and the American Baptist Home Mission Society, THE DALLAS DAILY HERALD said:
"He leaves the church in peace and harmony, with a membership of four hundred and fifty, with several well organized societies.
The church reluctantly gives him up because his loss is irreparable. He is a man of unblemished moral character, sterling honesty
and more than ordinary intelligence. The church will wait with much anxiety for his return to the pastoral care."
The next pastor was the Rev. C. N. Pryor whose pastorate was short (1884-90). Recollections of this Pastor and his lovely wife
have been passed on by the children of the founders. He was thoroughly Christian and commanded the respect of all who knew
him. The Rev. Pryor was a dignified man who upheld the noble tradition of the church. New Hope Church continued to grow and
play an important role in the advance of the Negro and the Dallas community.
The Rev. E. W. D. Isaac was elected pastor in 1890 and served to 1898. He was born in Washington County, Texas June 2, 1863.
At an early age his family moved to Waskom, Harrison County, Texas. Here he attended the public schools and later graduated from
Centennial Baptist Academy at Marshall. He was one of the early students at Bishop College. Graduating from the Normal and
Theology courses, he became an outstanding teacher and preacher in the area of the Texas/Louisiana District Association.
As a young preacher, he was so profound and moving that crowds flocked to hear him, "Ed Isaac is to preach tonight" was all that
was needed to call men and women to church. As district missionary of the Texas-Louisiana Association, he wielded tremendous
spiritual influence in East Texas. He had a passion for the cause of the church and the Negro people. At Bishop College he became
involved in the study of Christian education, particularly Sunday School and Young People's Movements. During the 1880's he
became the outstanding Negro representative in Texas of the American Bible Society and distributed tracts on the Bible and newer
methods in Christian Education. Between 1896 and 1898, he was closely associated with the Sunday school and Calportays
Convention of the General Baptist Convention of Texas which was most enthusiastic in the developing of Sunday school and Young
People's Movements. Therefore, as Secretary of the State Sunday School Convention and General Missionary and Corresponding
Secretary of the B.M.E. Convention of Texas, he contributed much to the progress of newer methods in Sunday school and
Missionary Education in Black Baptist Churches. He was one of the pioneers of the old B.Y.P.U. Movement which is now called the
Baptist Training Union.
He brought to New Hope a dynamic pulpiteer and Christian educator and a man who stood high in the councils of the Baptist
denomination. He was highly respected by both the Black and White leadership. As one would expect, the Sunday School and
Missionary activities in the church took on new dimensions of enthusiasm. But it was in the Sunday Evening young people's
activities that New Hope became the attraction of the young people of Dallas. The talented youth found in the B. Y.P.U. an
opportunity to display all kinds of speech and musical abilities. The discussions encouraged extemporaneous speaking. The pastor
led the young in spirited song services, there were also social activities conducted according to the best practices of etiquette. The
students at the Dallas Colored High School enjoyed the fellowship with this unusual pastor.
As a young preacher, he was so profound and moving that crowds flocked to hear him, "Ed Isaac is to preach tonight" was all that
was needed to call men and women to church. As district missionary of the Texas-Louisiana Association, he wielded tremendous
spiritual influence in East Texas. He had a passion for the cause of the church and the Negro people. At Bishop College he became
involved in the study of Christian education, particularly Sunday School and Young People's Movements. During the 1880's he
became the outstanding Negro representative in Texas of the American Bible Society and distributed tracts on the Bible and newer
methods in Christian Education. Between 1896 and 1898, he was closely associated with the Sunday school and Calportays
Convention of the General Baptist Convention of Texas which was most enthusiastic in the developing of Sunday school and Young
People's Movements. Therefore, as Secretary of the State Sunday School Convention and General Missionary and Corresponding
Secretary of the B.M.E. Convention of Texas, he contributed much to the progress of newer methods in Sunday school and
Missionary Education in Black Baptist Churches. He was one of the pioneers of the old B.Y.P.U. Movement which is now called the
Baptist Training Union.
He brought to New Hope a dynamic pulpiteer and Christian educator and a man who stood high in the councils of the Baptist
denomination. He was highly respected by both the Black and White leadership. As one would expect, the Sunday School and
Missionary activities in the church took on new dimensions of enthusiasm. But it was in the Sunday Evening young people's
activities that New Hope became the attraction of the young people of Dallas. The talented youth found in the B. Y.P.U. an
opportunity to display all kinds of speech and musical abilities. The discussions encouraged extemporaneous speaking. The pastor
led the young in spirited song services, there were also social activities conducted according to the best practices of etiquette. The
students at the Dallas Colored High School enjoyed the fellowship with this unusual pastor.
Like his predecessors, Rev. Isaac was deeply concerned about community problems. The 1890's were strenuous years in the life of
the Negroes of Texas. They were fighting for their very political life and against Jim Crow laws which were designed to place them
in segregated communities. Rev. Isaac was wide awake to racial matters and often clashed with city officials and white groups who
were seeking to disfranchise and discriminate against the Negro. He was proprietor and manager of the Star Publishing Company
associated with Dallas Express which quickly became known as one of the most militant Negro newspaper in the defense of Negro
rights and in the general progress of race. His sharp denunciations of those who falsely accused Negroes of crimes committed by
others got him into trouble and in 1898, Rev. Isaac resigned to become the first Secretary of the National Baptist B.Y.P.U. Board at
Nashville, Tennessee, which position he held until his death. In this position he was succeeded by his son, the Rev. E.W.D. Isaac,
Jr. Dr. Isaac was of national fame as an orator, a prince of American Baptist Preachers, and one of American's most distinguished
religious educators. New Hope can never forget his contributions to her century of service in Christian worship and services.