The Enduring Legacy of New Light Beulah Baptist Church, Hopkins, SC
Nestled in the heart of Hopkins, South Carolina, New Light Beulah Baptist Church stands as a powerful testament to faith, resilience, and community. Founded on April 26, 1806, and rooted in its early history as Old Beulah Baptist Church, this congregation has grown and flourished for over two centuries, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of its members and the surrounding community.
The church’s transition to an independent Black congregation in December 1867 marked a pivotal moment in its history. The Civil War’s societal impacts and religious divisions led to the departure of Caucasian members, paving the way for spiritual leadership by African Americans. Reverend James Lawrence Reynolds, the final pastor of the integrated Old Beulah Baptist, played a foundational role by ordaining the first Black ministers in 1865, establishing a legacy of empowerment that continues to inspire.
This legacy birthed New Light Beulah Baptist under the leadership of Reverend William Weston Adams, its first African American pastor. Facing disputes over property ownership and societal challenges, the congregation remained steadfast, even establishing new churches like Shiloh Baptist (1867), Zion Benevolent Baptist (1871), and Zion Pilgrim Baptist (1873) as extensions of its spiritual influence.
Under Reverend Adams’ leadership, the church constructed a bush arbor on rented land, symbolizing the congregation’s determination. Following his resignation in 1875, Reverend Daniel Boyd became the second pastor, baptizing 161 members and guiding the church through growth, despite divisions that led to the formation of St. James Baptist Church and Siloam Baptist Church.
Reverend Isom William Simons, the church’s third pastor, led the construction of a new sanctuary in 1889, fostering further growth. He was succeeded by Reverend George Washington Taylor, whose tenure saw the ordination of influential ministers like Reverend Ralph M. Myers, who founded Second Nazareth and St. John Baptist Churches in Columbia.
As the 20th century unfolded, devoted leaders continued to guide New Light Beulah Baptist. Reverend Andrew Richbourg served briefly but powerfully, followed by Reverend Jesse William Neal, under whom the church experienced both spiritual and numerical growth. Reverend John B. Barber then led the congregation for an extraordinary 48 years, rebuilding after a devastating fire in 1916 and restoring the church’s role as a pillar of the community.
In the years that followed, leaders like Reverend Westberry Homer Neal and Dr. William C. Henderson brought dynamic leadership to the church, each contributing to its spiritual and physical growth. Reverend Lawrence T. David’s tenure marked a transformative era, with the dedication of a debt-free sanctuary in 1982 and the establishment of vital ministries serving the congregation and community alike.
Entering the 21st century, Reverend Gregory Benjamin Cunningham and Interim Pastor Willie James Goodwin guided the church with strong administrative leadership. Reverend Malcolm L. Taylor continued this legacy, fostering community engagement and earning the church recognition as a historic site by the South Carolina Department of Archives and History in 2017.
Today, New Light Beulah Baptist Church remains a beacon of faith and service, with a membership of 360. Currently, Interim Pastor Reverend Chris Keesee provides spiritual leadership as the church prepares to celebrate its 219th anniversary and 158 years of independent rule. The celebration, beginning on April 26, 2025, will feature a Youth Church commencement on April 27 and a Community Wide Vacation Bible School from June 23–27, inviting neighboring congregations to join in fellowship and worship. Lastly, the Wateree Baptist Congress of Christian Education will be hosted at New Light Beulah Baptist Church, Saturday, May 3, 2025 with classes for Youth, Women, Men, Deacons and Ministers.
Pastor Reverend Chris Keesee at 9:00 am with the Sunday School Congress beginning at 10:00 am.
For more information on this historic celebration and to join in building the Kingdom of God, contact Reverend John A. Middleton at nlbbcss@gmail.
Through its unwavering faith and dedication, New Light Beulah Baptist Church continues to honor its rich history while embracing the promise of its future.
