The church organized on June 2, 1903, by the small but growing African-American community in Newark and incorporated on May 1, 1918.

Whitney's mother Cissy Houston was also a lifelong active member of the congregation, and served on the Deaconess Board.

In 2010, Cory Booker kicked off his Newark mayoral re-election bid at the church.

[3] Funeral services for Whitney Houston,[4] a lifelong member of the congregation, were held at the New Hope Baptist Church.

[5] [6] NJ Governor Chris Christie began his inauguration activities at the church in 2009 and 2014.