History of New Hope Baptist Church

New Hope Baptist Church traces its origins to a vision for meeting the spiritual needs of Coal Valley, Illinois—then a community without a Southern Baptist church. Through the dedication of its founding members and the grace of God, the work grew from a small mission into a thriving congregation.

Early Beginnings

In the early 1970s, Dr. W. J. Fritts recognized the need for a Southern Baptist presence in Coal Valley. He led mission services, Bible clubs, and community surveys and visitation. By late 1974, Home Bible Study Fellowships met in his home and in the homes of David Newcom (Coal Valley) and Clayton Cockerill (Orion), laying the groundwork for a new work.

On July 27, 1975, the First Baptist Church of Green Rock commissioned the Fritts, Newcom, and Cockerill families to form the Coal Valley Baptist Chapel. Financial support came from Broadmoor Baptist Church (Memphis, TN) and Paradise Baptist Church (Mt. Vernon, IL). Services began in the Coal Valley Masonic Hall.

Growth and Establishment

Dr. Fritts resigned as pastor in March 1976. Jim Collins of Moline served as interim until Bro. Sam Duncan was called in August 1976. On March 6, 1977, the chapel was formally constituted as the Coal Valley Baptist Church.

In October 1978, the church purchased 5.4 acres at the present location. Under Dean Pruitt, the church also expanded ministry among the Spanish-speaking community in Moline.

Building the Church

Bro. Duncan resigned in November 1978; Bro. Henry Ramey became interim in January 1979 and accepted the call as pastor in May 1979. That same year, John Lujan of Texas joined to minister among Moline’s Spanish-speaking residents.

After years of preparation, construction began in May 1982. Groundbreaking was held on August 1, 1982, with building work starting that September. On May 15, 1983, the congregation held its first services in the new facility, with 107 in Sunday School and 126 in worship.

Challenges and Resilience

Through the economic struggles of the 1980s, the church faced financial challenges yet continued to grow under Bro. Ramey’s leadership. E. J. Cole was called as Associate Pastor in October 1987. Bro. Ramey retired in May 1989, and Dr. Steven Smith became pastor in June. Bro. Byron Wooten later served from October 1992–1994.

A New Name and Renewed Mission

In May 1995, the church merged with Baptist Temple in Colona while retaining the Coal Valley location. With the merger, the congregation adopted the name New Hope Baptist Church under the leadership of Bro. Edmon Clemmons.

Continued Service

Over the years, New Hope has been shepherded by both interim and full-time pastors, including Bro. Robert G. Poor, Bro. James Grieme, Bro. Tracy Irvin, and Rev. Jamie Miller. Bro. Jon Sedgwick began as interim in January 2017, accepted the call as part-time pastor in June 2017, and later transitioned to full-time service—continuing to lead today.

Looking Forward

From humble beginnings in the 1970s to its present role as a spiritual home in Coal Valley, New Hope Baptist Church remains steadfast in its mission to share God’s love and serve the community. Our story is one of faith, resilience, and a deep commitment to God’s purpose.