New Hope Church of God in Christ

The New Hope Church of God in Christ was first founded and established in 1923 by the late Elder A. R. Thompson of Muskogee, Oklahoma. This was the first Pentecostal church in the city of Lawton and oldest church in the Lawton View addition. Elder A. R. Thompson held services in a fly tent before the church was constructed in the summer of 1929. Among the first church members were Mother Reese, Sister Sara Hudson, Sister Mode Jefferson, Sister Banks, and Sister Hattie Williams. Sisters Hudson, Jefferson, and banks were all sisters to David Reese of Lawton. Elder A. R. Thompson pastured the church until 1936 when he moved the New Hope Church to #2 NW Bell, making Bethel Church of God in Christ the new mother church.
In 1937, during the depression, the late Elder Joel Thompson became the pastor. The New Hope Church was relocated in late 1939 and 1940 in a house on Monroe Avenue. It was during his pastorate that the saints built its first original building located at 1502 SW Monroe Avenue. Elder E. M. Thompson helped build the church.
After Elder Joel Thompson pastorate the late Elder Jones became pastor until 1944. Following his pastorate was Elder Sylvester Ivy until his calling by the Lord in 1968. Elder Smith was appointed to serve as pastor until April 1971.
In April, 1971 the late Bishop A.L. Hearns appointed Elder Vernon Cross as pastor of the New Hope Church of god in Christ with only eight faithful members. This new appointment brought about the most tremendous development and rapid growth ever in its church history.
Under the leadership of Pastor Cross the church was remodeled to included a reconstructed foundation, reshingled roof, and bricked building. The church continued to prosper in membership and a building fund program was started. As the land became available the church purchased several lots on this corner up until 1982 allowing New Hope to add a kitchen, fellowship hall, restrooms, air conditioning, carpet, ceiling fixtures, wall paneling, telephone and a paved parking lot.
Today New Hope Church of God in Christ is lead by the anointed Man of God, Elder Michael Cross. Since this move of God Pastor Cross has lead the ministry of New Hope into the 21st Century with a live broadcast, church website, full audio and video capabilities. With this also stands a Nursing Home Outreach Ministry, awesome Youth ministry, and this is only the beginning.
The New Hope Church of God in Christ is affiliated with the Northwest Oklahoma Jurisdiction of the Churches of God in Christ who jurisdictional headquarters is located in Tulsa, Oklahoma.