OUR FOUNDATION
"The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone."
Psalm 118:22 (NIV)
REV. LAVARON JOHNSON
PASTOR
Rev. Lavaron Johnson was born on September 17, 1982 in Sumter, South Carolina, to Bobbie Johnson. As the eldest of five children, he embraced the values of family, faith, and community from an early age. In 2000, Rev. Johnson graduated from Lakewood High School in Sumter, South Carolina. In 2007, Rev. Johnson received the call to preach the gospel, and has devoted himself to spreading God’s word. Over the years, Rev. Johnson has passionately pastored the following churches: Mount Moriah Union Methodist Episcopal Church in Alcolu, South Carolina and Mount Pleasant Union Methodist Episcopal Church in Pinewood, South Carolina. Currently, he is the servant leader at New Hope Union Methodist Episcopal Church in Pinewood, South Carolina, where he continues to inspire and guide the community with his spiritual leadership. In addition to his dedication to the ministry, Rev. Johnson is committed to his academic pursuits. He is currently attending Morris College and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in education. His life's journey is a testament to his unwavering dedication to fulfilling the will of God. ​ Favorite Scripture: Philippians 4:13 – "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
History
New Hope Union Methodist Episcopal Church was built from a number of Methodist denominations, beginning in the 18th century, when John Wesley began the foundation for the Methodist Church. Blacks were not allowed to freely participate in the early Methodist church, but through the foresight and boldness of Richard Allen, the African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church was founded in 1794.
Late 1800's
In 1885, leaders of the A.M.E. Church had irreconcilable differences which resulted in the establishment of the Reformed Methodist Union Episcopal (R.M.U.E.) denomination. The newly established New Hope R.M.U.E. Church built a sanctuary where the New Hope Community Cemetery is currently located. Still another disagreement occurred; this time within the R.M.U.E. Church.
Early 1900's
The Union Methodist Episcopal (U.M.E.) Church was formed in 1912 under the leadership of Rev. J. A. Ellison. Reverend Ellison later became the first bishop of the U.M.E. Church. The New Hope R.M.U.E. Church aligned itself with the newly formed denomination and became the New Hope Union Methodist Episcopal Church of today. New Hope’s early pioneers, Reverends Delaine Hodge, W. T. Benjamin and J. W. Duvall, among others led our ancestors in building the church on a firm foundation, the Word of God. In 1914, a cornerstone was laid.
big new hope
During the 1930s and 40s the church may have had one of her larger congregations as reflected by the seventeen class leaders with an average of twelve members each. Many of the surnames of the families found in the church of yester-year can still be found in New Hope today. New Hope U.M.E. was often referred to as “Big New Hope” by people in the community. It is believed that this was an effort not to confuse it with New Hope A.M.E. Many people believed that New Hope U.M.E. was the larger of the two neighboring churches. Throughout the years, the church continued to progress, making improvements and additions to the original facility.
EVOLUTION
Later in the 1980s, the members committed themselves to build a new sanctuary. Of course, this meant a great financial commitment. A smart and resourceful people, they set about engaging in many endeavors to finance the building of the new church.
One of the more memorable endeavors occurred on May 26, 1985. This date marked the concert and commemorative
souvenir book project dedicated in memory of a much-respected and devoted member of the church. Pastor George M. Lang and the building fund committee spearheaded this undertaking. Two members of that committee remain active leaders in the church today.
God blessed the hard work of the church members and on the fourth Sunday of June 1993 the congregation, with the late Rev. Q. B. Conyers at the helm, marched into the new sanctuary.
​
After Rev Q. B. Conyers’ tenure, other dedicated pastors followed, each bringing their unique leadership and vision to the church. Their contributions continued to build upon the foundation laid before them, fostering growth, strengthening the congregation, and advancing the mission of the church. The congregation’s unwavering commitment and faith were evident as members continued to work hard, giving generously and dedicating themselves to the church's mission. Under the pastoral leadership of Bishop Leroy T. James (former pastor of New Hope U.M.E Church) these efforts resulted in the church paying off its mortgage, securing a debt-free future. This achievement stands as a testament to the enduring faith, perseverance, and unity of New Hope U.M.E Church.
​
Even after the marching into the church The members continued to work hard and In August 2009, New Hope U.M.E. Church celebrated the official burning of its church mortgage under the pastoral leadership of Bishop Leroy T. James.
legacy
New Hope is proud of its leadership legacy. We have had presiding elders and bishops who began their commitment to God as members of New Hope. The late Reverends George M. Lang and Q. B. Conyers, served as Elders in the U.M.E. Church, pastors of New Hope, and ultimately as Bishops. Over the years, New Hope has also been blessed with the contributions of numerous dedicated general officers.
​
As we reflect on our rich history, New Hope U.M.E Church remains steadfast in its mission to serve God and the community. With faith as our foundation and love as our guiding principle, we continue to press toward the mark of the high calling of Jesus Christ with hope, purpose, and unwavering commitment.