SPACE HISTORY
The beautiful building that The Cathedral now inhabits has a long history before our time. Before it became The Cathedral, it used to be inhabited by the flourishing congregation of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church from 1938-2017 where the church decided to expand and move to another location.
When we first walked into what is now The Cathedral in the Spring of 2019, the renovations on the space had just started. After learning about the history of the space and knowing that the landlord, architects, and designers vision was to preserve the historical integrity of the space, we knew we had found our new home here. The name of The Cathedral came after finding this stunning church to resemble cathedrals around the globe full of beautiful art & history. We feel happy to know that we can continue to give back to the community in different ways through arts.
From there, we opened our doors in October 2019 for coworking, art & wellness workshops, and intimate events. When Covid-19 hit, we pivoted to an online format for our workshops and are starting to host safe & intimate social distancing events again. We've had an exciting and whirlwind of a first year and couldn't have done it without you. Thank you for your constant support and for always making magic with us.
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History & images graciously provided by New Hope Missionary Baptist Church
"1930-Present. We realize that we stand on the legacy of individuals; and families that have sacrificed and served to make New Hope 'The Hope' what it is today. We are standing on the tiptoes of anticipation because we know that the 'Best is Yet to Come'"
FOR MORE INFO ON THE HISTORY OF NEW HOPE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH, PLEASE READ BELOW.
Thank you again to our friends at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church for providing this information for us to share with you.
1938
• New Hope Missionary moved into the church that is now The Cathedral
• Rev. C.A. Wilson was called as pastor; he served for 11 years and excellent progress was made under his leadership.
1949
• Rev. M.P. Swisher was initiated as Senior Pastor and immediately developed a program of Religious Education. Under his leadership the Educational Annex and the Fellowship Hall were purchased. He ordained several Deacons.
1954
• January 24, 1954, Rev. Otto Thomas Arnold, was installed as Senior Pastor during this time, NHMBC was in a poor financial and spiritual state. During Rev. Arnold’s tenure, church membership increased as well as its finances.
1961
• The church structure was remodeled.
1997
• New Air Conditioning Unit installed.
• Newly Ordained Ministers by Rev. Arnold:
- Including Roy Jones. II
1999
• The Lord called His Son Reverend O.T. Arnold home. Rev. Arnold served 45 years as a Steward to this Church Family and we thank God for him. His Leadership, His strength, and the faith that he had and taught each of the members of New Hope Baptist Church.
• Rev. Roy F. Jones II, named the Interim Pastor.
• December 6, 1999, The Reverend Roy F. Jones Jr. was voted as Pastor of the New Hope Baptist Church and on Sunday
2000
• February 20- Rev. Roy F. Jones installed as Senior Pastor.
2001
• March: The Men of New Hope observed the beginning of the Annual Men’s Day Services.
2003
• Women’s Ministry Organized, Sister Patricia Cannon as lead servant. This ministry was organized to develop unity among the women of all ages in the church and to minister to women inside and outside of the church.
• Construction of Arnold Activity Center began.
• Decker Lake Apt. Ministry Organized by the Men’s Brotherhood
- included Weekly Bible Study
- tutoring for the residents
• Non-Profit: CADA Formed (Community Action Development Association)
- CADA is an Organization with a focus on awareness through educational training; it empowers the residents of the community through education. The goal of CADA is to promote the well-being and support of all citizens of the community. New Hope and CADA was instrumental in helping to house feed and clothes the victims of Hurricane Katrina and Rita.
2004
• Arnold Activity Center Opened: Named after former Pastor O.T. Arnold
- After School program initiated
- Youth Summer Program initiated
- Adult Recovery Program initiated
2016
• Expansion plan initiated.
2017
• September 3, 2017 last service at 2405 East 16th Street
• Temporary Service Location at Turner Roberts Recreation Center
2019
• April: Fontaine Fest Established: HBCU College Fair & Urban Business Expo for Community Youth
• May 14: Groundbreaking Ceremony held at 9300 Decker Ln.| New Church Home
2020
2020
• March: Launched Streaming Ministry
• May: Launched N.H.N (New Hope Network) on YouTube, a streaming platform for New Hope Church Services, community news, resources and urban business highlight.