Church History
The Waldorf Church of God was the result of a region-wide focus on planting a church in Waldorf, MD. The 1976 Prayer Conference took place at the Thomas Stone High School, during which time the attendees made a massive visitation and tract-distribution effort to reach interested people. This resulted in the first service being held at the John Hanson Annex on February 29, 1976, with 23 in attendance. The church was officially organized with 23 charter members on March 7, 1976, by Overseer Robert E. Fisher, and Reverend Daniel F. Moore appointed as Pastor.
After about a year, the congregations moved to the Tri-County Federal Bank Building located on Route 5 for their services. During this time, Pastor Moore had blueprints drawn for a new church building, and the congregation purchased land in a prime location. The property was located on Old Washington Road (at Billingsley Road). The first phase of the building program including a fellowship hall, kitchen, classrooms and offices, was completed in September 1978.
When the building was completed, the Church started the Waldorf Church of God Day Care. This was the beginning of what later developed into an Early Learning Center, kindergarten program and a Christian Academy. In June 2009, the school celebrated its first graduating class of seniors of the New Hope Christian Academy, with the commencement address give by Administrative Bishop Ronald D. Martin.
During Pastor Moore’s tenure, the Church rented a house in which the Pastor’s family lived. Shortly after the completion of the church building, however, Pastor Moore erected a pre-fab house on the church property as the new parsonage. This served as home for the Pastor’s families for many years.
The second phase of the program was the construction of the sanctuary, built in the mid-nineties, under the leadership of Pastor Ron W. Harris. During this time, the name of the Church was changed to New Hope Church of God. The third phase began in March 2003 when the “dilapidated” parsonage was burned down to make room for a new educational building to house the expanding Christian School. All of this “building” activity was accomplished during the fourteen-year tenure of Pastor Harris.
In December 2008, Reverend Steven Bullion was appointed Pastor of New Hope Church. With the talents of his wife Cathie, the congregation was blessed by leadership in praise and worship during the services, as well as her work in the New Hope Christian School as Principal. The New Hope Church enjoyed its true Pentecostal roots and move of the Holy Spirit through Pastor Bullion’s leadership.
The last phase began in May 2010 when Reverend Aaron R. Jones and his wife, Sharon, accepted the pastoral appointment to the New Hope Church of God. The new pastoral couple has brought Pentecostal revival to New Hope Church and the Waldorf/La Plata community. The New Hope Church is moving forward with the vision, “God’s People Building God’s Kingdom.”
Charter Member Kay Warder (Webb) states: “This will be my ‘home’ church, regardless of where I live. I have a special affection for my church family. I was here at the beginning, and I am here now. I love my church!” To God be the glory for the things He has done!
Previous Pastors
Daniel F. Moore | 1976 - 1980
Wayne S. Gaines | 1980 - 1984
Mark S. Roberson | 1984 - 1992
B. Spencer Brozozog | 1993 - 1994
Ronald W. Harris | 1994 - 2008
C. Steven Bullion | 2008 - 2009
Aaron R. Jones | 2009 - Present