New Hope Church celebrated a significant milestone on March 21, 2026, by holding a mortgage burning ceremony. This marked the retirement of the church loan, and symbolized financial freedom. Former members and guests from around North America and beyond joined a packed sanctuary to witness the historic occasion. Marking the event was a special Sabbath celebration and consecration service, followed by a fellowship luncheon and evening concert. The special guest speaker for the occasion, Henry Wright, retired pastor and evangelist, reminded worshippers that even as they celebrated the significant milestone, to stay focused on the primary purpose of the beautiful edifice in which they worship — to bring others into the fold, ultimately preparing them for Christ’s eminent return. He emphasized that even after the physical building is no longer, its nonperishable byproduct, transformed lives, will live on.
One of the founding members of the church, Roy H. Brown, O.D., presented an impressive history of New Hope Church, sweetened with tributes from pastors who served the church from its humble beginnings with 60 members in a small rented hotel space to approximately 300 today in an idyllic, sprawling space nestled in urban Fort Lauderdale, Fla. New Hope’s past pastors, each one having stood on the shoulder of the previous, are Dolphy Cross, D.Min., Lester Parkinson, Olinto Groce, Johnathan McCottery, and Marcellus Howard. Additionally, Oswald Gordon served as interim pastor after Cross’ departure. Anslem Paul, New Hope’s current pastor, hosted the celebratory weekend, and in his remarks could scarcely contain his excitement as he bore witness to the mortgage burning and the faithfulness of God along the way.
Participants in the mortgage burning service include Michael Owusu, D.Min., president of Southeastern Conference; Pierre Francois, Southeastern secretariat; and Immanuel Charles, Southeastern chief financial officer.
“The retirement of a church mortgage represents a significant spiritual and missional milestone,” said Owusu. “An opportunity to thank God for His provision, honor the faithfulness of members who sacrificed to make this possible, and move forward with greater freedom to reach our communities with the Christ-centered message of hope and wholeness.”
Southeastern | June 2026
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