In October 1964, Pastor Freddie Dunn submitted his resignation as pastor of New Home to take on the assignment of pastor of the New Hope Baptist Church. Upon his leaving, many of the members followed him, leaving behind only a committed few. Under the direction of the Louisiana Freedmen Association, the search for a new pastor of New Home began. During the quest for a pastor, Rev. Willie Hausey, President of the Freedmen Association officiated over the operations of the church and provided the guidance and directions needed during that time.
After much prayer and deliberation, a young man from Woodville, Mississippi, by the name of Robert C. Blakes was chosen to become Pastor of the New Home church. In January 1965, he was ordained and installed as pastor and began his pastorate with only 30 members who remained with the church. Facing many challenges with only a handful of members and a lack of finances, he proved to be a man of faith who put his trust in God. The church grew and prospered despite the many obstacles that were present.
After much prayer and deliberation, a young man from Woodville, Mississippi, by the name of Robert C. Blakes was chosen to become Pastor of the New Home church. In January 1965, he was ordained and installed as pastor and began his pastorate with only 30 members who remained with the church. Facing many challenges with only a handful of members and a lack of finances, he proved to be a man of faith who put his trust in God. The church grew and prospered despite the many obstacles that were present.
In 1925, Rev. Marshall Lewis, Sr. was elected pastor. It was during his leadership, in 1927 that the church became incorporated with the state of Louisiana under the official name of New Home Missionary Baptist Church of New Orleans. During the tenure of Rev. Lewis, the congregation grew to over 200 members. With the need to expand, the church moved from its original site to a larger location at 3140 Jackson Avenue. Rev. Lewis served as pastor until his death in 1946. In 1947 Rev. Murphy Smith was elected pastor and served until 1952. During the term of Rev. Smith, the construction of a new church building at the Jackson Avenue location took place.
After the death of Rev. Smith in 1952, Rev. Freddie H. Dunn was elected pastor in 1953. He was a dynamic and influential leader throughout the New Orleans area. During his leadership, the membership continued to grow, and the construction of another building became necessary to accommodate the increase in membership. In July of 1962, a new church building on Jackson Avenue was dedicated.
After the death of Rev. Smith in 1952, Rev. Freddie H. Dunn was elected pastor in 1953. He was a dynamic and influential leader throughout the New Orleans area. During his leadership, the membership continued to grow, and the construction of another building became necessary to accommodate the increase in membership. In July of 1962, a new church building on Jackson Avenue was dedicated.
