Overview

 

The original New Jerusalem Baptist Church decided to go in a separate direction more than 144 years ago after being a part of the Hopewell Baptist Church.  In 1994 the church reorganized under the later Pastor Jeremiah Payne and continue to use the name New Jerusalem Baptist Church. Today, the New Jerusalem Baptist church (The House of Power and Hope), located at 204 South Lake Street, Axtell, TX, and is ministering to five generations under the leadership of our pastor/teacher K. W. Stephens. As the New Jerusalem Baptist Church (The House of Power and Hope), we welcome those in Axtell and the greater Waco metropolitan to join us as we worship God, share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others and execute the business of the Kingdom with excellence.

 

A Concise History of Our Church

 

Under the leadership of the first pastor, Rev. Eli Wright, the New Jerusalem Baptist Church (The House of Power and Hope) was formed more than 144 years ago by a small group of Christian men and women. The church was organized September 1870.

 

Former pastors include: Rev. J.J. Chappell, Rev. O.P. Dixon, Rev. E.P. Merida, Rev. J.L. Lee, Rev. A.D. Duncan, Rev. J.H. Scott, Rev. M.A. Swisher, Rev. S.A. Hayden, Rev. S.M. Cleveland, Rev. John L. Williams, Rev. Joe Tubbs, Rev. Spencer Briscoe, Rev. James Brown, Rev. C.L. Lucas, and Rev. Jeremiah Payne.

 

Rev. Jeremiah Payne was call to pastor the church in June 1989 and the church's membership flourished so much that on August 8, 2008 a ground breaking service was held to mark the start of construction on a new sanctuary. It was a day of rejoicing.

 

In November 2012, Rev. Jeremiah Payne was called home to Glory and the New Jerusalem Baptist Church (The House of Power and Hope) began its search for a new pastor. A pulpit committee was formed and commenced a seven-month search for a new pastor. In June 2013, God sent a Spirit-filled man in the person of K. W. Stephens and on October 13, 2013, he was installed as the 16th pastor of the church. Pastor K. W. Stephens is a blessing to the New Jerusalem Baptist Church (The House of Power and Hope) family.