The Documented Chronology
Twenty-five years of building, laid out date by date.
From a Word to a Cathedral
New Hope Cathedral's story isn't legend — it's documented. From Bishop Richard Leaphart-Mack's ordination in 1997 to the founding of New Hope in a living room in 2001, through every move, covering, and property acquisition, the timeline below tracks the church's growth as a matter of record. It's a working document as much as a history — one New Hope continues to add to as it approaches its 25th Anniversary on August 30, 2026.
Ordination
Richard Leaphart-Mack is licensed and ordained by Bishop George Hoke at All Nations Church of God in Jersey City, New Jersey.
Assistant Pastor
Leaphart-Mack is appointed Assistant Pastor at All Nations Church of God, a formative season of training under senior leadership.
New Hope Founded
Bishop Richard Leaphart-Mack and Synetra Leaphart-Mack begin services in their home, grounded in the vision of Habakkuk 2:2.
Chapel Hill Elementary
The growing congregation moves into Chapel Hill Elementary School — its first worship location outside the Leaphart home.
The Father's House Covering
New Hope comes under the spiritual covering of Bishop Eddie L. Long and The Father's House Ministry, just eighteen months after founding.
Flat Shoals Road Purchased
New Hope buys its first church property at 2999 Flat Shoals Road, Decatur, Georgia — sanctuary and classroom space for a growing membership.
Mortgage Paid in Full
The Flat Shoals Road mortgage is paid off in roughly six years, positioning New Hope for its next chapter of growth.
Stockbridge Campus Acquired
New Hope acquires an approximately 11-acre, ~55,000-square-foot property at 1738 Fairview Road in Stockbridge, Georgia.
Move-In Sunday
The congregation officially moves into the Stockbridge campus, worshiping there for the first time.
A Civic Landmark
New Hope hosts Henry County town halls, including a District V meeting with Commissioner Bruce Holmes and Superintendent Dr. Mary Elizabeth Davis, and a January 2020 community meeting on human trafficking.
Digital Ministry Expands
Online worship and pastoral services grow into a full digital-ministry footprint, extending New Hope's reach beyond the campus.
Elevate 2.0 Conference
Bishop Leaphart-Mack hosts the Elevate 2.0 Pastor & Leadership Conference at the Stockbridge campus.
25th Church Anniversary
New Hope Cathedral celebrates twenty-five years, from the Leaphart living room to the Stockbridge cathedral campus.