Faith for the Future
Rev. Louis Hunter Jr., Pastor of New Hope AME Zion Church in Lewisville, North Carolina, gives a stirring message to his congregation on a recent Sunday morning. The banner behind him commemorates the church
New Hope AME Zion Church, in Lewisville, NC, celebrated its 125th Anniversary on Sunday, February 1. Members, friends and family, including Lewisville’s mayor and several town council members, came together to celebrate the church’s rich heritage.
The pastor, Rev. Louis Hunter Jr. and his gracious wife, Patricia, have only been at New Hope for about six months. Yet in such a short time, they seem to have plunged into the life of the church with hearts eager to serve.
The Day Unfolded
From the moment I stepped through the front door of the church, I felt surrounded by warm and hospitable folks. I was there to photograph the day’s events — the Sunday morning service, the luncheon and the anniversary celebration that would follow the luncheon. I hoped to convey with my photos the faith and warmth of that very lovely church family.
Many of the women, as well as some of the men and children, had coordinated their outfits by wearing red and black. Some of the ladies also wore hats that were quite delightful.
Following the Sunday morning service, church members served up quite a feast. The food was simply delicious!
The Anniversary Celebration
With pastors from other churches among the many celebrants, the Anniversary program included district and regional church officers who participated in the service. The Presiding Elder of the Winston-Salem District of the AME Zion Church, Rev. Dr. Calvin L. Miller, introduced the Bishop, Rt. Rev. George W. C. Walker Sr., who gave The Proclamation of God’s Word. The Bishop’s message encouraged the congregation to not only look back at how God had worked in their midst, but to continue to look forward in faith for what He will do in the future.
The Photos
I hope you’ll enjoy the photos of this special day. As you look through them, you’ll see moments of joy, love and laughter. You’ll also see moments of faith, reverence and supplication. (It’s too bad you can’t also hear the music that was provided by the Bethania AME Zion Church Choir — it was wonderful, too.)
Please visit the New Hope 125th Anniversary photo gallery to see photos of a very special day in the life of New Hope AME Zion Church. If any of the photos stir you, please share your thoughts by clicking on the Comment link below.
The pictures are beautiful that were taken at our 125th Church Anniversary. Thank you for sharing with us on that glorious occasion. It was a joy to have you there. I have gotten so many comments on how lovely the pictures are.
Shirlene, I’m so glad you liked the photos, and I really enjoyed being with you all and sharing your 125th anniversary with you. You folks are truly a warm and inviting congregation. Thanks so much for writing.
Can you tell me if you know a Rev. Donna Chris? Says she is the pastor there. Thanks.
As far as I know, Deanna, Rev. Louis Hunter Jr. is still the pastor — or at least he was several months ago when I ran into him at a local event. Perhaps Donna Chris is the woman I’ve met several times who fairly recently finished seminary. I’m unclear as to whether she may be an associate pastor or hold some other position with the church. Sorry I can’t be more helpful. The church’s phone number is 336-945-9083, in case you’d like to contact them. Thanks for stopping by.