Mission & Vision of New Elizabeth
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" Matthew 28:19
Below is brief narrative of the history of the Elizabeth Baptist Church now New Elizabeth Baptist Church. Since 1922, the members stand strong because of the work of many great men and women who paved the way for NEBC.
On September 6, 1922, Reverend Dr. William David Leighton, along with eight founding members, established the "Elizabeth Baptist Church."
The name "Elizabeth" was significant to Reverend Leighton as it was the name of his home church in South Carolina and represented Elizabeth, who gave birth to John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus Christ and spread the good news of Jesus Christ.
His vision was for the church to serve as a "birthing" place of worship, coinciding with the ninth month of the year, which symbolizes the natural time for human birth. Reverend Leighton prayed for the church be a sacred sanctuary where many would experience spiritual rebirth, nurtured, and empowered to share the message of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
The first services took place in a building on the 900 block of Argyle Avenue. After relocating 28 times and worshiping at various sites across the city, the church eventually settled at 1609 West Saratoga Street for several years, including a location on Oak Street, now Howard Street and Park Avenue, which is currently home to the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall.
Pastor Leighton served 45 years as pastor of Elizabeth Baptist Church before God called him home on the evening of January 5, 1967, at the Maryland General Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland.
In 1967, Reverend Stanley Bradford were elected as the 2nd Pastor. On May 16, 1971, he moved the church to its present location, 4901 Park Heights Avenue and changed the name to the “NEW” Elizabeth Baptist Church. Under his pastorship, he licensed the first female preacher in the church, Evangelist Alice Strother.
Pastor Bradford was known as the “crying preacher,” a reflection of his sincere and tender heart. On December 29, 1985, Reverend Bradford retired and was honored as Pastor Emeritus. In April 1988, God called him to his eternal home.
Reverend David Boyd (who was the Deacon Chairman and later was licensed and ordained by Reverend Bradford) served as the Assistant Pastor until Pastor Bradford became pastor emeritus.
In December 1985, Reverend Boyd was elected as the 3rd Pastor. Under his leadership, many church ministries were established, major church renovations were completed, and he licensed three sons of NEBC to preach, his son, Rev. William David Boyd, Elder Omar Clea and now Bishop Michael Evans, Adonai Ministries.
On March 4, 2002, God called Pastor David Boyd to his eternal home. Pastor David Boyd served faithful and dedicated member for over 60 years as a member and 17 years.
On June 6, 2002, NEBC elected its 4th Pastor, Reverend Wm. David Boyd. Pastor Boyd was a Holy Ghost filled disciple of Jesus Christ. This anointed preacher, singer, musician, and teacher traveled extensively throughout the United States, Europe, Middle East, and Japan to deliver the Word of God and/or teach on Scripture, Church Music, Praise, Worship and Prayer.
Pastor Boyd's vision,“Restoring God’s Awe”, a God-inspired revelation he received while reading Psalm 33:7-8. The God-inspired revelation was for NEBC to renew their thirst for God in worship, service and study.
Under his leadership, NEBC continued to grow – adding the Praise Team; Pastor’s Staff, assigning the Church Administrator/Executor; Destiny Church (youth church); Dance Ministry; the Daughters of Elizabeth Women’s Fellowship; and the Sound & Media Ministry. He also licensed four ministers and ordained two of them; appointed NEBC’s first woman trustee; established a global mission with a church in Japan; hosted many National Day of Prayer events, toy drives, and food give-a-ways in the Park Heights community. Pastor had many opportunities to travel the world to sing or become a secular singer, but because of his love for God and the Gospel, he remained a faithful servant Servant of God at NEBC for over 40 years. On Thursday, July 30, 2020, Pastor Wm. David Boyd departed this earthly life suddenly, went to sleep, and woke up in Glory (the same month/day that one of his brothers passed away 25 years prior).
