The History of New Hope Presbyterian Church

In March of 1994 about a dozen St. Charles Presbyterian Church members felt called by God to begin discussing the formation of a new Presbyterian Church in St. Charles County. This excited, committed group of men and women formed a steering committee and requested the Giddings-Lovejoy Presbytery to establish a new church, the first in St. Charles County in over 125 years! The first "office" was set up in a member's home.  Two months later,   following a request from the new church group, the Session of St. Charles Presbyterian Church petitioned the Presbytery Committee on New Church Development/Church Redevelopment to "validate and acknowledge the existence" of this group.  Following this action, the group gave themselves the name "New Church Developers" (NCD), and they enthusiastically began weekly devotional and organizational meetings which were open to everyone who was interested.  In July, the Presbytery voted to designate St. Charles County as the second Vision 2000 new church development.  Following this action, the NCD fellowship voted to take the name of New Hope Presbyterian Fellowship.  (They could not call themselves a "church" until they were chartered.)  

In October, the New Hope Fellowship made a contract with the Fairmount School to use the cafeteria and gymnasium for worship services.  Forty-five people attended the first worship service and Sunday school on October 30, 1994.  The Reverend Robert C. Reynolds, Executive Presbyter of the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy, delivered the sermon.  In November, the Reverend Eldon McKie, a retired minister living in Kirkwood, was called on a part-time basis to lead the new congregation.  Reverend McKie began his dedicated and invaluable ministry at New Hope on Sunday, Nov. 6.  

On July 1, 1995, the Reverend Doctor Richard Miller started his remarkable ministry as the full-time Stated Supply Pastor, and Reverend McKie continued as Parish Associate.  The congregation moved into its new offices in Suite 117 at the Gables on Old Hwy 94.  In January of 1996, New Hope Construction Requirements Committee (yes, ANOTHER committee!) began its work.  The New Hope Site Selection Committee continued to meet regularly, searching for land for a building.  On July 18, New Hope Presbyterian Fellowship closed on its property at Kisker and Central School Roads.  That same month, the Reverend R. David Aldridge began his important ministry at New Hope as its first full-time minister.  This excitement was tempered, however, by the "retirement" of "Rev. Rick."   Then on September 15, 1996, the dedication service was held on the new property.

The new congregation’s biggest moment came on Sunday, Oct. 27, 1996, when New Hope Fellowship was chartered as a congregation of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)!  Attendance at worship was 129.  Reverend Aldridge was officially installed as minister.  Elders, deacons and trustees were elected.  New Hope Presbyterian Church was now official!  Shortly thereafter, new officers were ordained and installed.  Soon the increased workload of the growing church brought The Reverend Doctor Rick Miller back to New Hope as part-time Parish Associate.

In June of 1999, New Hope was saddened at the resignation of Reverend Dave Aldridge.  This put Reverend Rick Miller in place for full-time Interim Pastor, a position which would last until a full-time pastor was called. 

On its third anniversary, the new congregation broke ground at the Kisker Road site, a happy day for everyone at New Hope.  To highlight the joy, both youth groups made spiritual statements by attending the Billy Graham Crusade in St. Louis.

Just in time for Easter of 2001, New Hope Presbyterian Church moved into the new building located at Highway 94 and Kisker in St. Peters.  On Maundy Thursday the church had its first official worship service, followed with by a wonderful Easter Sunday service with over 350 worshipers in attendance. 

By December of the same year the Pastor Nominating Committee, having completed its search for a new minister, called Reverend Christopher James.  On December 16^th, Reverend James and his family visited New Hope for the first time to determine whether his call should be accepted.   With first impressions being lasting impressions, the congregation knew immediately that Chris was the one, just as Chris knew that this was the church that he would serve.  What a wonderful association this would become.

On January 7^th, 2002, Rev. Chris James delivered his first sermon as pastor of New Hope.    God has graced New Hope Church with his love and care.