After 28 years of faithful service, Rev. Dr. James D. Peters, Jr. retired as the pastor of New Hope Baptist Church effective December 31, 2006. The occasion was marked by an outstanding Retirement Celebration held January 26-28, 2007.

The weekend kicked off with a Retirement Banquet on Friday, January 26th with Rev. Otis Moss, III, pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, Illinois as the guest speaker. Rev. Moss spoke on the subject "Wait On The Lord" (Isaiah 40:31).

Rev. Peters good friend, Rev. Dr. Carey Pointer, pastor of Providence St. John Baptist Church in Upper Marlboro, Maryland preached the Sunday morning service on January 28th.

Pastor Peters capped the weekend off with his farewell sermon, "Thanks Without Words" (Revelation 8:1) Sunday afternoon.