Our History
The late Rev. Dewitt Beauford founded New Hope in October of 1926 at its first location on 3rd and Queen streets. Rev. Beauford had five children with his wife Lelia; Dora, Estelle, Evelyn, Ethel and William — who eventually assumed leadership of the congregation.
Yvonne Addison, granddaughter of Rev. Dewitt Beauford and daughter of the late Rev. William Osborne Beauford — feels her grandfather and father’s presence and mission for the church, is still present today.
“My grandfather pastored for 46 years and my dad pastored for 20,” she said. “I grew up in this church. I have been here all of my life. My husband is here. My children are here. My grandchildren are here. It’s a family church and it’s the heart of my existence.”
New Hope was located at 711 S. 12th St. and had a few other location changes before landing at its 12th and Bainbridge location in 1936. It was purchased from the former Union Baptist Church and was chartered in Delaware the year before. In 1957, the church was charted in Pennsylvania.
Rev. William Beauford was four-years-old when New Hope was formed. He served in the United States Army and was ordained to preach in 1958 after the death of his mother. He served on many community boards in addition to serving as president of Pastoral Organizations and has made an impact on New Hope in his 20-year term, adopting the theme “each one, bring one.”
“Rev. Coger came in and became our junior pastor and worked in that capacity for a year until my dad ultimately retired,” Addison said. “He prepared the church for a year.”
The Rev. Dr. John Coger followed the guidance of Rev. William Beauford until his installation in 1988. Approaching his quarter century mark as pastor, Rev. Coger is proud of New Hope, its history and where the church is headed.
Our Mission
To be a church for ALL people submitted to Christ, serving in Obedience and living in the power of THE HOLY SPIRIT, evangelizing the world and making disciples of believers.... JOIN Pastor John Coger and the congregation in being a Kingdom Building Church.