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Celebrating 168 Years of Faith: A Reflection on New St. Hurricane Baptist Church's Legacy

This year, New St. Hurricane Baptist Church celebrates 168 years of unwavering faith, resilience, and service to the community. From our humble beginnings on the Hurricane Plantation in 1856 to our vibrant presence today at 3319 S. Ohio Street in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, our journey is a testament to God’s grace and the enduring power of faith.

As we reflect on our history, we honor the legacy of those who came before us—the slaves who shared this sacred space with plantation owners, alternating Sundays in worship. After the abolition of slavery, our church was physically moved by former slaves, a bold declaration of freedom and determination. Through the decades, New St. Hurricane has been more than a place of worship; it has been a beacon of hope and light in our community.

Under the leadership of dedicated pastors, including the 48-year tenure of Rev. Albert King, our church has flourished. The construction of our current sanctuary under the leadership of Rev. L. Jones and the addition of state-of-the-art facilities under Rev. Derick Easter’s leadership mark significant milestones in our mission to serve God and His people.

A Beacon of Light in the Community

Our 168th-anniversary theme, "A Beacon of Light in the Community," calls us to reflect on Matthew 5:14, where Jesus says, “You are the light of the world.” For over a century and a half, New St. Hurricane has lived out this calling by addressing the needs of our community. From our Hurricane HYPE Center for youth engagement to our outreach initiatives, including fitness parks and family programs, we remain committed to shining God’s light beyond the church walls.

This year’s celebration was marked by a joyful outdoor event in our fitness park, featuring a live band, worship, and a reflection on God’s faithfulness. It was a time to remember where we’ve been, celebrate where we are, and renew our commitment to where God is leading us.

Moving Forward in Faith

As we step into our 169th year, we are reminded of the words of Psalm 126:3, “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” We are filled with gratitude for the lives transformed within our congregation and the countless ways we’ve impacted Pine Bluff and beyond.

Our mission remains clear: to minister to the spiritual and physical needs of our members and community. Through worship, outreach, and discipleship, we aim to remain a shining light, guiding others to the love of Jesus Christ.

Thank you to every member, leader, and friend of New St. Hurricane who has been part of this incredible journey. Let us continue to let our light shine, willingly and sacrificially, as we advance God’s Kingdom.

Here’s to 168 years of faith, hope, and love—and to many more to come!