Colored Missionary Baptist Church “My Day”
By Dr. J. Ester Davis
In 1857 The United States Supreme Court rules that a slave did not become free when transported to a free state. It further rules that slavery could not be banned by the United States Congress in a territory and that blacks were not eligible to be awarded citizenship.
So, in 1859, ‘two-or-three’ slaves gathered in Jesus’ name for pray and organized the Colored Missionary Baptist Church. Imagine 1859!
Forty-seven(47)years later the Colored Missionary Baptist Church changed its name to New Hope Baptist Church and built their first building in 1914. New Hope Baptist Church is the oldest congregation in Rockwall County formed in the Kaufman Territory prior to the recognition of Rockwall County. New Hope has existed since 1859 through acts of labor, love and faith.
“Now, therefore, I, Clay Ellis, Mayor of the City of Royse City proclaimed Tuesday, July 27, 2021, as “New Hope Baptist Church Day” at their City Council Meeting. And, of course, I could not resist attending representing Dallas, my church and the esteemed South Dallas Community Youth Choir, who after growing up leaving to change -the –world still receive invitations to sing.
But, here is the rest of the story.
Stephen Grays grew up in South Dallas attending local schools and Rose of Sharon Church with his grandmother. Around the corner was Greater New Zion Baptist Church, home to the nationally renown South Dallas Community Youth Choir (SDCYC). Fifteen(15)year old Stephen Grays came in as one of the musicians. . . joined the Music Staff who mixed, rearranged, scored music in advance of choir rehearsals. As Youth Director/Co-Founder, I still remember the dedication and passion these young musicians profiled. The masterful Tony Finney was Music Director. Tony Finney endured a very serious automobile accident months after our Summer Tour to Atlanta. The teenagers raised the money to airlift Tony home with one concert.
Stephen Grays and the leadership team attended to Tony, stayed together and on course during Tony’s extensive recovery. The choir continued performances with Stephen Grays as Music Director. Tony did recover… came back to the choir and resumed his duties in a wheel chair. The young musician who came by to sing with his peers of teenagers is now Rev. Stephen Grays, Pastor of New Hope Baptist Church and Chaplain of the Royse City Police Department.
His truth is marching on.
We are all invited to New Hope on Sunday, August 8, 2021, at 10:45 AM for the
Proclamation Dedication Services. And the SDCYC 3rd Reunion is scheduled for February, 2022.
Esterdavis2000@gmail.com
