The establishment of New Light Baptist Church arose (or originated) from the
Macedonia Baptist Church, which was located at 22 E. Main Street in Richmond, Virginia. In October 1934, after a divergence between the Pastor and part of the congregation, a segment of members, led by Rev. Mort Jackson, established a new place of worship at 1821 E. Main Street, Richmond, Virginia. With this new location, and re-birthing of the church, one of the charter members and deacon of the church, Addison Royster, is credited with naming the
church "New Light Baptist Church."

On October 4, 1947, approximately 13 years after being united by God as the New Light Baptist Church, the congregation and their current pastor, Rev. Daniel Williams, relocated to the Trinity Methodist Church building. The church building towers Broad Street on the east-west axis; and is directly on axis with Hull Street across the James River putting its location at 2000 E. Broad Street, Richmond Virgina. It was constructed in 1866, with a 225-foot spire (steeple) erected in 1875. The church was designed by Richmond architect, Robert L. West, who was also a member of Trinity Methodist Church. His contemporaries described the church as "Italian styled”, and the original cost for construction of the church was $35,000, however New Light’s new church home was purchased for $13,000.

When the members of New Light moved into their new church home, there was one entrance into the building - the front doors. Lighting in the church was by a chandelier that held 500 bulbs and 2 lights located near the pulpit. Heat was provided by two potbellied stoves with five bags of coal available for each heater. The church served as a home for the pastor and other members through the years.

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Early renovations as recalled by members included the installation of a cement floor, a furnace, additional entry, and rear exit doors in the lower auditorium/fellowship hall at a cost of $12,500. A staircase was also installed that provided a second entry into the sanctuary. It was built at the rear of the fellowship hall leading up to the pulpit and choir stand. The congregation did not have enough money to put the steps at the front of the church which is the rear of the sanctuary. New Light was the recipient of several donations. Fort Lee donated the baptismal pool through Deacon Hoyt Timmons. Prior to the pool being installed, the congregation used three neighborhood church pools for baptism. The safe that is still being used today was donated by the American Tobacco Company.

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On October 15, 1954, the steeple, had a 75-foot portion toppled by Hurricane Hazel, and the city’s building Commissioner required the removal of the steeple from the belfry up. The New Light congregation was permitted to continue worship services in the building and continued its mission to spread the gospel in the local Richmond community.

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Believing that Jesus extends the invitation to all to become a child of God, the New Light congregation prayerfully adopted the church theme, “A Place Where All People are God’s People.” This theme reflected New Light’s commitment to the Great Commission and desire to lovingly accept everyone, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to observe all things that God has commanded us.

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As the congregation continued to worship, pray, serve, and follow God’s purpose, in December 1974, a fire was discovered at 5:52 a.m. near a floor furnace in the front of the sanctuary. Six fire companies battled the fire for an hour before the fire was under control. However, twice after the fire was brought under control, it reignited in the ceiling of the church from sparks ignited from the original fire. Despite this setback, New Light’s congregation continued to worship in the lower auditorium until repairs were made to the sanctuary.

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New Light continued to fulfill the mission of the church by making disciples, glorifying Christ, building up saints and providing services to the community. Yet, stories were relayed of how the congregation struggled monetarily to support the church and the various ministries. They sold dinners, baked goods, Katydids candy, held concerts and other fundraisers to support their cause. Items from the church were also sold. The fencing that surrounds the building is not the original. Only the gate remains of the original fence. The original wrought iron fence was sold to the Tobacco Company and was installed inside their building. The pipe organ was sold as junk. The building was an eyesore for a number of years and appeared to be an abandoned building. The paint was dingy and peeling on the outside as well as inside. It had no steeple and outsiders did not believe that church services were still going on. However, authentic praise and worship was happening on the inside.

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Our Church believes, With God all Things are Possible” and in the mid 80’s, the New Light congregation attended a City Council Meeting in support of having our church and its’ surrounding area proclaimed historical. God answered our prayers, and in 1987, under the pastorate of Rev. Michael Kelsey, our Church building was added to the National Register of Historic Places for its historical architectural beauty and, more importantly, for its role as a symbol of steadfast faith, and perseverance in Richmond’s religious history.

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Rev. Kelsey’s pastorate also brought about increased active participation in civic and religious organizations, establishment of a unified church budget, a transportation ministry through the purchase of a church van, participation in the East End Fuel Assistance Program, and a sponsor of “Virginia’s One Church One Child Program.” The church continues to support the Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University, the Baptist General Convention of Virginia, as well as the Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Missions Convention. 

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The pastorate of Reverend Dr. Verlin D. Williams brought about the development and
implementation of the Board of Christian Education. Deacon Clarence Gaskins, a long-standing member, Sunday School Teacher, and Superintendent was appointed the first Director of the Board. In addition, several new Deacons were ordained. The church’s sanctuary was remodeled in 1989 by M. P. Barden & Sons. Remodeling included replacing the pews and painting the sanctuary. 

 

Reverend Dr. Walter L. Smith, Jr.’s pastoral guidance brought about a restructuring of the administrative functioning of the church and renovation of the interior/exterior of the church. Under his leadership, the administrative functioning of the church was reorganized to train persons in managing the responsibilities of the church. A Historical Foundation was also established under his leadership. A complete renovation was initiated in 1996. The renovation began from the inside with the fellowship hall, pastor’s study, and restrooms. In February, 1997, central air conditioning was added, extensive roof work was completed, and the sanctuary ceiling lowered to the tops of the beautifully sculpted window frames to conserve
heating and air conditioning costs. The sanctuary was painted, the 19th century pews were replaced as well as the carpet. There are 18 semi-circular steps approximately 35 feet wide that lead to the sanctuary. A chair lift was installed on the steps to accommodate worshipers needing assistance entering the sanctuary. The retaining wall was restored in accordance with the building's historical era. During the restoration construction, the congregation worshipped at Manning Funeral Home. The sanctuary was rededicated on February 23, 1997.

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In February 2010, Reverend Dr. Vernon J. Hurte brought spiritual vigor to the church body and a premise for excellence in ministry. With focused, vision-inspired annual ministry themes, such as “Growing for Greater,” and “The Year of Greater Increase, Influence and Impact”, the church experienced exponential growth in membership, stewardship, and ministry activity. Most importantly, with a strong commitment to sound biblical preaching/teaching and “authentic” worship, the congregation continued to grow in our relationship with God. Spiritual growth was enhanced through new ministries and events that were added to the worship experience under the leadership of Rev. Hurte and guidance of the Holy Spirit. A powerful music ministry evolved, an expanded ministerial staff adding an Associate Minister, Rev. Sylvestine Branch, Youth Minister, Rev. Erica Daniels, and several new Deacons, Deaconess, and Trustees. Ministries added included an Evangelism Ministry and an Adult Praise Dance Ministry. Outreach services for the congregation included Prayer Call Hour - one in the early morning and one at mid-day. A church website, sound booth, and video recording system were added as tools to enhance communication of the Good News. A church logo was designed with a burning flame in front of the church in the background to signify the church as “The Light on the Hill.” The logo is etched on the podium in the pulpit for all to see upon entry and during worship as well as on church programs and other paraphernalia. Dr. Hurte’s leadership strengthened and renewed the focus on God’s mandate for the church to seek justice for all people. In 2010, New Light Baptist Church joined Richmonder’s Involved to Strengthen our Communities (RISC), a grassroot, direct action, multi-issue organization, cross-racial, and interfaith justice ministry. Dr. Hurte initiated a
Vision 2020 Campaign, an expansion project to build a 17,000-square-foot administrative and educational complex adjacent to the current historic edifice. Restoration under his leadership continued with the re-grading and landscaping of our parking facility. New Light was gifted with a 40-passenger bus to augment our van ministry. 

 

Rev. Dr. J. Elisha Burke, interim pastor, assisted the church in establishing a Reentry (Prison) Ministry. He inspired the congregation to restore the historic foundation work and a new historic committee was formed. The committee is charged with developing the church’s written history, collecting artifacts, and establishing the church archive. On July 1, 2018, God sent a new servant to tend his flock. Rev. Corey T. Bland led the congregation through the COVID pandemic with a continuation of Sunday worship, often through sermonic series, Bible Study, Weekly Prayer, and ministry meetings through a virtual platform. Another building restoration was started, beginning with the remodeling of the lady’s restroom and nursery. He was supportive of the efforts of The Restoration Committee in seeking funding to complete more extensive work to the building. God has truly blessed the New Light Baptist Church family through faithful pastoral servants: Rev. Mort Jackson (1934-1942); Rev. L.M. Bray, Rev. Daniel Williams, Rev. John Williams, Rev.
Roy Clark (1957-1970); Rev. Keel; Rev. Floyd Davis (1978-1979); Rev. Michael V. Kelsey Sr. (1981-1986); Rev. Dr. Verlin D. Williams (1987-1994), Rev. Dr. Walter L. Smith, Jr. (1996-2006), Rev. Dr. Vernon J. Hurte (2010-2017), and Rev. Corey T. Bland (2018-2023). The New Light Baptist Church family is called upon to exercise our faith in God as we work toward resolving the plethora of complex social needs within our community. Today we engage in a variety of ministries, proclaiming mightily the Gospel of Jesus Christ, where lives are enriched through faith, worship, prayer, and discipleship is strengthened through service to others. Having completed many years of service, we look forward to the years ahead as we seek to grow to be the Church that God created us to be. To God be the Glory for the Great Things He
Has Done!​​