THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, June 30, 1996 TAG: 9606280161
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 16 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TRUDY CUTHRELL, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: 64 lines
For more than a century, the New Hope Baptist Church has lived up to its name, offering spiritual hope and a promise of new life to the Pughsville community.
New Hope traces its rich heritage to the days when the area was settled by freed slaves. According to the congregation's present pastor, the Rev. William E. Russell, New Hope's membership has always included ``extremely independent, self-reliant individuals.''
He said, ``This church has helped produce numbers of very resourceful people.'' Among them are founders of private companies, businessmen, electrical contractors, outstanding athletes, a professional singer, educators and a college professor.
``As the major church set in the midst of the community, we continue to be the hub of activity for this area,'' Russell said.
New Hope has a new lease on life for the 21st century because of major renovations of its physical plant. In the last three years, the church gutted its old educational space, replacing it with a two-story complex of classrooms, offices and multi-purpose rooms. A spacious, well-equipped kitchen now serves the social needs of the church. And an attractive, new vestibule welcomes worshipers into a refurbished, expanded sanctuary that provides comfortable seating for the active, 200-member congregation.
The next project on the physical agenda is an expanded parking lot. Long-range plans are in the formative stages for much-needed recreational facilities for neighborhood youths.
During recent building projects, Manual Hawks served as chairman of the Trustee Board for the church, and Rice Roberts, newly elected chairman, served as project manager.
With skilled technicians and craftsmen within the church volunteering their time and talents, building renovations have been completed on a shoestring budget.
Spiritually speaking, during Russell's five-year pastorate, New Hope has taken giant strides. ``There's been a growth in spirit as we've brought people into a closer relationship with God,'' Russell explained. ``We're evangelistic in our proclamation of the Word. And outside of our doors, we're trying to live it by service and witness.''
Russell's emphasis in worship is on ``preaching the Word'' and on ``rich music.'' Hymns and gospel songs are led by the church's four choirs. Also, lay leadership and participation in worship services is strongly encouraged.
As the hub of neighborhood activity today, New Hope offers office space for the local WIC program. It's also the meeting house for two community civic associations and various political groups.
When neighboring families have needs, they can come to New Hope for food or financial assistance. In addition, when students need extra academic help, New Hope offers tutoring services.
According to Russell, today's church membership includes ``outstanding citizens and strong influences within our community.'' The church draws its membership predominantly from Suffolk, Portsmouth and Chesapeake.
But with a good mix of ages and a full roster of activities, Russell feels New Hope will remain attractive to newcomers as growth continues in north Suffolk and surrounding areas.
Russell, a native of Princess Anne County, returned to Virginia after nearly 30 years of service in the public school system of Wilmington, Del.
Retiring as an assistant district superintendent, with equal years of tenure as a pastor, Russell returned to his roots to be near family. Retirement was short-lived, and today Russell serves as pastor of New Hope Baptist Church in Suffolk and as deputy superintendent of Chesapeake schools. by CNB