Reverend Leon T. Parker 1957 - 1970
Our organizer, the late Reverend Leon T. Parker, was born on July 30, 1913 in Essex County, Virginia to Hattie Parker. He was raised by the late John and Catherine Williams. He was licensed to preach on July 31, 1955 and was ordained in Antioch, Virginia as a gospel preacher on January, 19 1957. Under his direction the New Home Baptist Church was established on October 19, 1957. Lady Ellen Parker was faithfully at her husband’s side and showed love to all who came in contact with her. On February 22, 1958, the Recognition Council of the Baptist Conference was asked to designate New Home Baptist Church as a regular Missionary Baptist Church.
Under Pastor Parker’s Leadership the following ministries were formed: Deacon and Deaconess Board, Trustee Board, User Board, Sunday School, Missionary Circle, Senior Choir, and the Building Fund.
During the first two years, the church moved to the following Washington, DC locations: 2900 11th St., NW, 116 9th St., NW, 1000 M St. NW, and ending at 3497 Holmead Pl. NW. Pastor Parker had a dream and a goal – to purchase a building of our own. The Lord heard and answered his prayers. On December 14, 1967, Pastor Parker and the Deacon’s Ministry received authorization to purchase the property at 3423 Holmead Pl., NW, Washington, DC. On December 31, 1967, the final services were held at 3497 Holmead Pl., NW.
On January 26, 1968 the dedication service was held. God sent more workers to the vineyard. God enabled us to pay off one of the mortgages during this period. On April 20, 1970, our Pastor Leon T. Parker was called home to glory. We fondly remember his great contributions to the growth and development of the branch of Zion. We thank God for lend him to us for a season. Pastor Leon T. Parker was “A man who took a stand for God”.
Reverend John R. Lee 1970 - 1971
On June 6, 1970, the church elected Reverend John R. Lee as the Pastor. The installation service for Pastor Lee was held on October 18, 1970. His Pastor, the late Reverend C. C. Mills of Canaan Baptist Church, presided over the installation service. Deaconess Mary Lee served as our First Lady during this period.
Under Pastor Lee’s stewardship the growing membership began tithing, thus beginning the enlargement of our sanctuary. However, on January 16, 1971, we were again without a Shepherd. From January 16, 1971 to June 18, 1971, Chairman Deacon Thomas Henry and the Deacon Board, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, maintained the leadership of the Church.
Reverend James T. Gilchrist 1971 - 1984
On June 19, 1971, Reverend James T. Gilchrist was elected Pastor of the New Home Baptist Church. Reverend Gilchrist was installed as the newly appointed leader on January 16, 1972.
Under his leadership, God’s flock flourished and the new church building was completed at 3423 Holmead Pl., NW. Lady Bessie Gilchrist served as First Lady and Deaconess. Several Deacons and Deaconess were ordained and consecrated under the leadership of Pastor Gilchrist to include Johnny and Catherine Best, Eddie and Dornetha Crosby, Kenneth and Mae Henry, James and C. Delores Hicks, Ernest and Barbara Johnson, Warren and Ida Johnson, Willie Morris, Cleve and Rosia Perkins, Joseph Streeter, and Joseph and Kathlean Walker.
Reverend James Dawson was elected as the Assistant Pastor. Thank God for him and his wife, Deaconess Deloris Dawson. A few years later he resigned as Assistant Pastor and departed the ministry for evangelistic work.
On November 25, 1979, the new $350,000 edifice was dedicated. On March 25, 1982, the cornerstone was laid. Several items were placed in the cornerstone chest; a Bible, the Minister’s manual of the late Pastor Leon T. Parker the church membership and the Church history from 1957 – 1982.
Reverend Bobby D. Hicks 1984 - Present
Bobby D. Hicks has been serving as Pastor of the New Home Baptist Church since 1985. In 1976 he gave his life to Christ and received him as Saviour and Lord. In 1977 he was given the opportunity to preach his first sermon and was the first licensed minister of the church. In 1979 he was ordained at New Home Baptist Church. Since that time the church has witnessed God’s kindness and goodness.
The church’s motto is Finding…Fencing…Feeding. The church has grown spiritually and numerically. Many ministries have been added as well as lives touched and changed. Under the ministry many ministers have been licensed and ordained. Deacons have also been ordained.
Other Accomplishments Include:
Dreams & Visions Christian Learning Center; Outreach in Kenya, Africa; Building Expansion and Mortgage Burning.
In June 2009 Pastor Hicks received an honorary doctorate degree from Ft. Wayne Theological Seminary. His ministry gift has made room for him to preach in many places.
He has been married to Tyonnie Gibson Hicks since 1983. She supports him fully in ministry and serves beside him. She is a wonderful teacher and serves in the administration of church’s ministry. They have been blessed with two sons, Jeremiah and Aaron.