The Heritage of New Hope Community Church is rich in history. In 1921, Sister Aimee Semple McPherson was holding a big tent revival at the fairgrounds in San Jose, California. It was during these services that Brother W.O. Goold, a member of the Methodist Church at the time became hungry for God. He would attend the Methodist Church during the morning service, and attend the meetings in San Jose, Ca. in the evening.
Soon after he and a couple of families rented what was known as the Opera House on Fifth street in Gilroy, across the street from the fire house. July 31, 1923 was recorded as the day the church in Gilroy became affiliated with the Assemblies of God. The church then changed its name to Glad Tidings Mission.
As the church continued to grow, they searched for several different locations. They met in what was known then as the Ed Rohr Saloon after it was closed. In 1925, the assembly moved to an upper room in the Hornlein Building next door. As the members continued to meet in this building, they decided to buy two lots and build a church.
In 1927, the church was completed and under the leadership of Pastor Zari Miller the Assembly moved in. The church was then known as Glad Tidings Assembly. In 1956 the church incorporated and changed to Glad Tidings Assembly of God under the leadership of Pastor Elmer Stump. In 1965 Pastor David Hood led the church through another name change to First Assembly of God. In 1972, Pastor Don McMurray was elected as Senior Pastor of First Assembly of God.
Throughout the history of this church, God has poured out His blessings upon those who have worshipped here. In December 1991, First Assembly of God elected their youngest Pastor, and in January of 1992 Pastor Malcolm MacPhail and his family relocated to Gilroy.
While New Hope was in the midst of growth, in May of 1994 Pastor MacPhail was diagnosed with Leukemia and given 2 years to live. During the next several years Pastor MacPhail underwent different forms of treatment as the New Hope Family stood beside he and his family trusting God for a miracle.
In July of 1994 the church voted to change the name once again from First Assembly of God to New Hope Community Church.
During a time of growth, in 1996 Sunday Services moved across the street to the Gilroy Senior's Center to provide more seating and opportunity for ministry. Every Sunday faithful and dedicated work crews would set up sound systems, instruments, video projection and all the things it would take for services.
In March of 1999 The MacPhail Family moved to Seattle, WA. so Pastor MacPhail could undergo a lifesaving Bone-Marrow Transplant. During this time the New Hope Leadership and Church Family continued to stand behind their shepherd and his family by continuing to provide his salary and await his return.
In 2000, Pastor MacPhail returned to New Hope which in his absence experienced the same growth in attendance and finances as when he left. Later in 2000, Pastor MacPhail experienced a setback in his recovery and fell into a coma for over one month and at times was at death's door. As the New Hope Family and others around the world interceded and trusted God.
In 2001, Pastor MacPhail recovered and returned once again to a healthy and growing church. To this day, Pastor MacPhail is healed by God's Grace!
In September of 2003, due to tremendous growth New Hope moved to it's present loacation on Muraoka Dr. A new facility and main auditorium with increased seating, expanded sound and video system, a dedicated Children's Center, Youth Center and Coffee Shop.
In January 2007, Pastor MacPhail became the longest serving Senior Pastor in the history of this church, surpassing Pastor Don McMurray who to this day is not only a member, but a lay pastor serving with our dedicated pastoral staff.
New Hope Community Church has become a pillar within the community of Gilroy. Reaching out to the Civil Service Workers, Public Schools, Car Shows, Easter Egg Hunts and Food Distribution during the Holidays. We are very excited because God has given us a vision for Gilroy, South County and the World. As we continue to grow, we believe that God will use that growth to reach the world for Him!
