New Hope, Atlanta Celebrates 150 Years
On Sunday, April 28, New Hope AME Church, the oldest and only African American Church in the Buckhead neighborhood, celebrated its 150th anniversary at a standing-room-only worship service. A diverse audience of church members, visitors, neighbors, politicians, and press gathered to honor the historic institution that began in 1869 as “New Hope Camp Ground,” where church and school lessons took place.
New Hope Pastor David F. Richards, III, and First Lady Linda S. Richards, greeted attendees as they filed into the well-preserved sanctuary once used for scenes in movies like Tyler Perry’s Diary of a Mad Black Womanand The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. During the service, Matt Westmoreland, Atlanta’s City Council Post 2 At-Large, presented a proclamation from the City of Atlanta that declared April 26 as “New Hope AME Church Day.”
Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, the presiding prelate of the 6th Episcopal District, preached. He delivered a passionate but timely sermon entitled “Passing the Faith,” where he emphasized the importance of elder generations sharing their stories and faith to younger generations.
The celebration continued with plenty of music, lively performances from the New Hope Adult Choir, a liturgical dance, and a reading of the church’s history. After the service, guests enjoyed a southern feast prepared by members that including BBQ ribs, chicken, mac n’ cheese, collard greens, and red velvet cake.
