Organized in 1852 by Elder John R. Briscoe and Elder M. Glover in the home of J. C. Williams, the congregation was originally called New Hope Baptist Church because Rockwall was not founded until 1854. Its charter members were Hester, Isaac, James, Mildred, and Persila Briscoe; Felitha, Martha, and Rosana Jones; Hannah Thompson; and J. C. and Nancy Williams. Its first regular pastor was the Rev. H. E. Calahan. After years of meeting in homes, schoolhouses, and a Masonic hall, the congregation occupied a building of its own in 1876, and the present sanctuary dates to 1970. It is the oldest congregation in the Dallas Baptist Association.