Greater New Hope Baptist Church was founded on Saturday, January 10, 1999, by the late Pastor Rev. E.D. Lairry, at his home following the lead of the Holy Spirit.  Present with Pastor Lairry were Bro. Isiah Bennett, Bro. Brian Dixon, Rev. Luther Green, Jr., Rev. Al Morgan, Rev. Conrad Proctor, Rev. Ralph Price, and Rev. Patrick Green.  Pastor Lairry shared God's vision and plan for His church in vivid detail.  His emphasis was upon reaching the lost and broken and strengthening believers through preaching and teaching God's Word.  He advised that the name God had given him for the church was "The Greater New Hope".  He instructed those who were present not to solicit members from other churches but to share the love of Christ with all. 

 

Our first few organizational worship services were held at the Glenview Recreation Center in North Little Rock.  Pastor Lairry's first organizational sermon was "The Solution is in Jesus" from Luke 19:10.  Pastor Lairry soon announced that we would be relocating to a temporary worship location at 510 East 49th Street, NLR in the McAlmont Community.  Our first service there was Sunday, January 31, 1999.  Pastor Lairry soon formed the Motherboard, Mass Choir, Usher Boards, and Youth Department.

 

The hand of the Lord was certainly upon us, as we witnessed His favor and glory in adding to our church spiritually, numerically, and financially.  Pastor Lairry continued to preach powerful, anointed messages and the members continues to experience God in worship.  

 

In early June 1999, just six months since the first service, the Lord set the stage for a more permanent location.  Pastor Lairry and the church officers went to view the property, located at 1723 West 44th Street in North Little Rock, which consisted of over 17,000 square feet including two worship centers, a youth fellowship center, 14 classrooms, a nursery, and offices.  On June 27, our offer was accepted for the purchase of the church.  There is no doubt the vision was given by God. 

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The blessing for Greater New Hope didn't come easy.  On August 7, 1999, the late former first lady Marva Lairry was called home to be with the Lord.  On August 12, 1999, her homegoing was the first service held in our new church home.

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On Sunday, August 15th, the congregation, led by Pastor Lairry was escorted from 510 East 49th Street to our new and current worship home.  Pastor Lairry came with a powerful word entitled "Trust Him".  The ministries developed under the leadership of Pastor Lairry included Deacon Board, Mission, Choir, Ushers, Youth Department, Drug/Rehab, Nursing Home and Prison, Transportation, Brotherhood, Clothing, Food, Marva's Angels Dance Team, Radio Broadcast and a daycare for children.  Several ministers/pastors came out of this ministry.

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Pastor Edward Doyle Lairry was a faithful and committed pastor of Greater New Hope Baptist Church for 17 years until God called him home on March 31, 2016.  Following his death, the deacons and members elected Rev. Luther Green, Jr. as Pastor after much prayer and listening to the holy spirit.

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Pastor Green is a dynamic, energetic, pastor/teacher who has placed a great focus on Christian Education and Stewardship.  Pastor Green encourages members to be stewards of God in their time, talents, treasures and testimonies.  Members continue to grow as Pastor Green gives clear exposition of the word and promotes personal relationships with God.  

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Pastor Green has reinstated the Clothing and Food Ministries, placing an emphasis on connecting with the homeless community.  Pastor Green also promotes intentional outreach within the community to connect with those in the surrounding area.  He has incorporated ministry and fellowship through small groups (Brothers of Christ's Kingdom, G.L.A.M., R.R., Women of Purpose & the Young Adult Ministry).

 

Under Pastor Green's leadership, we are witnessing God's revival and renovation.  Pastor Green remodeled the youth building and renamed it the "E.D. Lairry Enrichment Center", personalizing it to meet the needs of our youth.  Within the past year, Pastor Green has had 3 50" monitors added to our sanctuary, replaced the pews with new seat cushions, updated the lighting, installed security cameras, we have purchased a new church van and our church mortgage has been paid in full!

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God has blessed Greater New Hope throughout the past twenty-one years.  As He continues to elevate us, we walk in obedience to him as we continue to carry out the ministry he has called us to.