Church

The Community Church of New Hope and Faith was founded on January 16, 1972 by Mother Lonie McNeal. After receiving revelations and then much prayer and fasting, Mother McNeal set out to start the mission in a small storefront building located at 621 N. 39th Street in Philadelphia. She was assisted by her daughter, Sister Pauline Williams and her children, holding services three days out of the week. Shortly thereafter, her grandson, Brother Gregory A. Wilson, also joined the ministry. Three weeks after opening, Mother McNeal was joined by her son, then Minister James McNeal Jr. and his family. Mother McNeal said the Lord told her to ask Minister McNeal to serve as acting pastor. His first sermon in the new mission was preached on February 6, 1972 entitled “Children Get Ready!” Services were conducted by Minister McNeal and Mother McNeal, and the name was changed to the Church of New Hope and Faith.

On April 23, 1972, the Church of New Hope and Faith officers were installed by Elder Edward J. Lucas, General Overseer of Universal Holiness Church of Valdosta, Georgia. At this time, the church joined the Universal Holiness Church organization and Mother McNeal was installed as Overseer. Minister McNeal was ordained as an elder and installed as the first Pastor. Sister Pauline Williams served as Secretary and Sister Betty McNeal as Secretary/Treasurer. Brother Gregory A. Wilson was appointed the first Standing Deacon on November 5, 1972.

As membership grew, the Lord blessed the church to purchase the properties located at 661–663 N. 39th Street. After renovation, the congregation moved into the new edifice on April 8, 1973.

In October 1975, the Church of New Hope and Faith withdrew from the Universal Holiness Church movement and became an independent organization. Elder McNeal established twenty-eight auxiliaries. On April 17, 1977, Elder James McNeal Jr. was consecrated to the Bishopric and became presiding bishop over seven churches. In 1979, Bishop McNeal founded the National Christian Fellowship Conference (NCFC), and the Church of New Hope and Faith Inc. became its headquarters.

On April 15, 1986, the church edifice collapsed while members and children were still inside. By God’s grace, all escaped without injury. Though the building was destroyed, the church continued on in faith. Twenty-eight months later, on August 10, 1988, Bishop McNeal led the congregation into a brand-new $750,000 edifice built on the same site, marching in singing, “We Come This Far By Faith!”

The Church of New Hope and Faith is a Pentecostal church with Baptist and Apostolic roots and fellowships with believers of many denominations. The church strives to promote Christian unity and a family atmosphere. Transportation is provided free of charge for members, and fellowship extends beyond services. The church annex includes spaces for education, recreation, and safe fellowship.

The goal of the church is to minister to the whole man. Through teaching, encouragement, and practical support, members have been helped with employment readiness, education, and personal growth. Over time, many were able to move from dependence to independence through gainful employment.

In September 2019, Bishop James McNeal Jr. transitioned to glory. After faithfully serving for forty-seven years, Elder Gregory A. Wilson Sr. accepted the call to succeed him and was consecrated and installed as Presiding Bishop on December 7, 2019.

Under Bishop Wilson’s leadership during the global pandemic, the church remained connected through livestreaming, virtual Sunday School, and continued fellowship. As the church moves forward, and with new churches on the horizon God has not only helped us to survive, but to thrive.