New Hope Baptist Church (Newark)


New Hope Baptist Church is a church in Newark, New Jersey, located at 106 Sussex Avenue in University Heights.

History

New Hope began its services as a "mission" in the home of Addie and Maggie Vine. The church organized on June 2, 1903, by the small but growing African-American community in Newark and incorporated on May 1, 1918.
Famous members of the congregation include late R&B singer Whitney Houston, who grew up attending the church and singing in the choir, as well as her cousins Dionne and Dee Dee Warwick. Whitney's mother Cissy Houston is also a lifelong active member of the congregation, and serves on the Deaconess Board.

Events

In 2010, Cory Booker kicked off his Newark mayoral re-election bid at the church.
Cissy Houston has long been a musical influence on the church. Funeral services for Whitney Houston, a lifelong member of the congregation, were held at the New Hope Baptist Church.
NJ Governor Chris Christie began his inauguration activities at the church in 2009 and 2014.