The History of New Birth 

 

The New Birth Missionary Baptist Church was organized by a small group of baptized believers in Christ in 1951 with Rev. W. B. Mitchell as Pastor.  The name “New Birth” was selected by the members.

 

Upon his resignation, Rev. W.B. Mitchell suggested that the congregation accept Bro. Welton Washington, who was serving as treasurer at that time, as the new pastor.  On February 17, 1952, Pastor Welton Washington was ordained by the Era Association.  After selling a lot the church had previously purchased on Desire Street, the existing site at 3320 Louisa Street was purchased. The current structure was originally placed here in 1973.

 

It is evident that God has blessed New Birth since its foundation.  The church has grown to have hundreds of members and many auxiliaries and ministers:  the Deacon Board, Deaconess Board, Senior Choir, Junior Choir, Male Choir, Usher Boards 1 & 2, Junior Ushers, Senior Mission Boards 1 & II, Brotherhood, Baptist Training Union, Nurses’ Guild, Youth Outreach Ministry, Marriage Ministry and Voices of Praise Choir.

 

New Birth Missionary Baptist Church is also credited with the ordination of many ministers under the leadership of Rev. Welton Washington: the late Rev. Leon Lafayette, pastor of Hill of Zion Baptist Church, the late Rev. Davis Snowden, pastor of Third Shiloh Baptist Church, Rev. Willie Montgomery, pastor of Greater Carver Baptist Church, the late Rev. Fagan Davis, Sr., New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, Rev. Timothy Howard, former pastor of Pure Light Baptist Church, Rev. Jimmie Thomas Jr., former pastor of Genesis Baptist Church and Rev. George S. Washington, Sr. former pastor of First Baptist Church of Tuscaloosa.  Ministers who have been licensed under the leadership of Rev. Welton Washington include: Bro. Timothy Howard, Bro. Don Hunter, Bro. Nathan Johnson, Bro. Andrew Joseph, Bro. Daniel Perkins, Bro. Randolph Thomas, Sr.  Bro. Anthony J. Washington, Bro. Solomon Washington, and Bro. Dudley Watson.

 Upon the retirement of Rev. Welton Washington in January 1999, the congregation elected Rev. George S. Washington, Sr. as pastor. 

 

In March 2001 the church’s name was changed to New Birth Missionary Baptist Church of New Orleans because another local congregation had already registered the name “New Birth Missionary Baptist Church” with the state of Louisiana. 

 

In August 2005, Hurricane Katrina’s waters disbursed our congregations through the country, some of whom would never return to their beloved New Birth family such as founders Pastor & Sis. Welton Washington and Rev.  Fagan Davis.

 

After many months of planning and working with contractors, the Deacon Board, under the leadership of Bro. Willie Miles,  announced the re-opening services of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in April 2008.  Members returned for this joyous reunion from all over the country to reflect on that New Birth fellowship.  Regular services were held at New Birth under the guidance of the Louisiana Freedman Missionary Baptist General Association.

 

On Friday, October 9, 2009, Rev. Isaac Stewart was installed by the Louisiana Freedman Missionary Baptist General Association as the fourth pastor.  The post-Katrina New Birth has opened its doors to other churches as well as community groups; developed the Feeding the Homeless Ministry and Clothing Ministry. 

 

August 29, 2012, Hurricane Isaac arrived on the anniversary of Katrina and attempted to rock the New Birth family by heavily damaging the roof; however this resilient congregation moved worship to the Rev. Welton Washington Fellowship Hall.  

 

New Birth continues to baptize and take in members by Christian Experience.  We look forward for the mighty work God has planned for us. 

 

 

We now know our past.  We know where we presently stand.  We do no know, however, what our future holds but as believers in Christ Jesus, we know who holds the future.