The Reverend Dr. James D. Peters Jr., our pastor of 30 years, civil rights, and social justice leader, passed away peacefully on the evening of May 10, 2025, at the age of 92 surrounded by his family.

Rev. Dr. Peters entered the ministry at 19 years old, launching a lifetime of pastoral leadership, civil rights advocacy, and a commitment to the poor and oppressed. A native of Washington D.C., Rev. Dr. Peters was an early and active participant in the Civil Rights Movement and fostered partnership with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. Peters began serving the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, the NAACP, as well as countless community organizations through which he lived out his belief in the Christian call to freedom, justice, and equality as early as the 1960’s.

During his esteemed tenure at New Hope which began in 1978, Dr. Peters served numerous religious and civic organizations, along with local and national levels of both the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., and the American Baptist Churches-USA. In 1996 Dr. Peters acquired the land and led the project to construct the congregation’s current location with the assistance of African American architects. Dr. Peters remained active in social justice until his latter years, he served as a Democratic Party Delegate in the election of President Barack Obama and as Pastor Emeritus of New Hope until his death. While we are aggrieved by his passing, we’re certain heaven is happy to receive this giant in the faith and stalwart of the gospel ministry.

The New Hope Baptist Church family extends our appreciation to all who have supported and honored Rev. Peters’ life, and ministry here at New Hope.