Emmanuel City of Hope (ECOH) was founded in the fall of 2017 by Reverend Doctor Pastor James and First Lady Ester Hope Washington along with thirteen founding members. ECOH was established to give its members and people, in general, a Godly and peaceful place to worship; a place where prayers can be heard and mercy can be found. This ministry exists so that we can rightly divide the word of God. Worshiping, praising, and serving God are the aims of our dear church. ECOH is a non-denominational ministry and welcomes all who have a desire to serve God and His people.
Emmanuel City of Hope (ECOH) was founded in the fall of 2017 by Reverend Doctor Pastor James and First Lady Ester Hope Washington along with thirteen founding members. ECOH was established to give its members and people, in general, a Godly and peaceful place to worship; a place where prayers can be heard and mercy can be found. This ministry exists so that we can rightly divide the word of God. Worshiping, praising, and serving God are the aims of our dear church. ECOH is a non-denominational ministry and welcomes all who have a desire to serve God and His people.
Emmanuel City of Hope (ECOH) was founded in the fall of 2017 by Reverend Doctor Pastor James and First Lady Ester Hope Washington along with thirteen founding members. ECOH was established to give its members and people, in general, a Godly and peaceful place to worship; a place where prayers can be heard and mercy can be found. This ministry exists so that we can rightly divide the word of God. Worshiping, praising, and serving God are the aims of our dear church. ECOH is a non-denominational ministry and welcomes all who have a desire to serve God and His people.
Our Mission
Adhering to the great commission given by Christ, Emmanuel City of Hope’s mission is to seek the lost for Christ, to venture into the world presenting and offering the way of salvation to all nations both foreign and domestic..
Our Vision
Emmanuel City of Hope is a vision granted by God almighty to comfort His people, to show them the way of salvation, to generate hope in all who enters. The name Emmanuel speaks to this vision as God is with us and gives us a portion of hope and strength to live holy as He is holy.
Our Mission
Adhering to the great commission given by Christ, Emmanuel City of Hope’s mission is to seek the lost for Christ, to venture into the world presenting and offering the way of salvation to all nations both foreign and domestic.
Our Vision
Emmanuel City of Hope is a vision granted by God almighty to comfort His people, to show them the way of salvation, to generate hope in all who enters. The name Emmanuel speaks to this vision as God is with us and gives us a portion of hope and strength to live holy as He is holy.
Meet the Pastor
Rev. Dr. James E. Washington has been deeply rooted in ministry for his entire life. As a child, he actively served in his church community as a member of the youth choir, a junior usher, and a junior deacon. His dedication continued into adulthood, where he sang in the choir and played an integral role in various church ministries, including men’s ministry.
From an early age, Pastor Washington felt the Spirit of God calling him to serve. Many who knew him as a child would often say, “He’s going to be a preacher someday.” Though this remained a passing thought for years, everything changed in 1988 when his spiritual journey took a profound turn under the leadership of the late Rev. Calvin Jackson, Sr., Pastor of (Click to See More)
Second New Guide Missionary Baptist Church in Louisiana. At Second New Guide, he faithfully served in multiple capacities, including as a choir member, trustee, Sunday School teacher, and later as an ordained deacon.
In the fall of 1993, Pastor Washington answered the call to preach the Word of God, dedicating himself fully to being a vessel for God’s work. On December 12, 1993, he delivered his initial sermon, marking the beginning of his pastoral journey. By 1995, he was both licensed and ordained to preach the gospel.
Pastor Washington continued his ministry as an associate minister at Poplar Grove Baptist Church. In 2008, he was called to serve as interim pastor and, after three years, was appointed senior pastor. He led Poplar Grove for nine years before, in 2017, he and First Lady Washington, along with a dedicated group of believers, established Emmanuel City of Hope Church—a ministry built on faith, service, and community.
Pastor Washington holds both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Education from Jackson State University. He also earned a Ph.D. in Pastoral Ministry from Newburgh Seminary and Bible College.
Above all, Pastor Washington is a devoted husband, father, and shepherd of his congregation. He and First Lady Ester Washington have been married for over 40 years and are the proud parents of three daughters: Franchasca, Ashli, and Amanda. They also take great joy in their beloved “grand-dog,” Pepper Anne. Pastor Washington is also a proud life member of Alpha Phi Alpha, Fraternity, Inc.
Meet the First Lady
Hope Washington, affectionately known as “FL,” was born in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago. After graduating from St. James Secondary School, she earned a full athletic scholarship to Jackson State University (MS), where she excelled as a sprinter, setting numerous records.
She went on to qualify for both the 1980 and 1984 Olympic Games, proudly representing Trinidad & Tobago. Ester holds both undergraduate and graduate degrees from Jackson State University. With nearly four decades of service in education, Ester has been a dedicated resource and classroom educator in Montgomery County, Maryland Public Schools. Her teaching career also spans Louisiana and Mississippi, where she made a lasting impact on students and colleagues alike. (Click to See More)
Ester and Pastor Washington, college sweethearts, married while in graduate school and have been united in love and faith for over 40 years. They are the proud parents of three adult daughters: Franchasca, Ashli, and Amanda. A devoted partner in ministry, Ester leads the Wednesday evening Bible School at Emmanuel City of Hope (ECOH) and serves wholeheartedly in various capacities within the church.
A lifelong servant in the Body of Christ, Ester has taught Bible classes and Children’s Church and co-chaired the annual picnic committee at Second New Guide Missionary Baptist Church alongside her husband. She was consecrated as a Deaconess under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Isaac Alston, Sr., at Bright Light Baptist Church.
Above all, Ester is most proud of serving alongside her husband and children in ministry at ECOH, where she remains committed to uplifting and empowering the congregation.
Her favorite scripture, Ephesians 3:20, reflects her unwavering faith: “Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.”
Ester is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Meet the Pastor
Rev. Dr. James E. Washington has been deeply rooted in ministry for his entire life. As a child, he actively served in his church community as a member of the youth choir, a junior usher, and a junior deacon. His dedication continued into adulthood, where he sang in the choir and played an integral role in various church ministries, including men’s ministry. (Click to See More)
From an early age, Pastor Washington felt the Spirit of God calling him to serve. Many who knew him as a child would often say, “He’s going to be a preacher someday.” Though this remained a passing thought for years, everything changed in 1988 when his spiritual journey took a profound turn under the leadership of the late Rev. Calvin Jackson, Sr., Pastor of Second New Guide Missionary Baptist Church in Louisiana. At Second New Guide, he faithfully served in multiple capacities, including as a choir School teacher, and later as an ordained deacon.
In the fall of 1993, Pastor Washington answered the call to preach the Word of God, dedicating himself fully to being a vessel for God’s work. On December 12, 1993, he delivered his initial sermon, marking the beginning of his pastoral journey. By 1995, he was both licensed and ordained to preach the gospel.
Pastor Washington continued his ministry as an associate minister at Poplar Grove Baptist Church. In 2008, he was called to serve as interim pastor and, after three years, was appointed senior pastor. He led Poplar Grove for nine years before, in 2017, he and First Lady Washington, along with a dedicated group of believers, established Emmanuel City of Hope Church—a ministry built on faith, service, and community.
Pastor Washington holds both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Education from Jackson State University. He also earned a Ph.D. in Pastoral Ministry from Newburgh Seminary and Bible College.
Above all, Pastor Washington is a devoted husband, father, and shepherd of his congregation. He and First Lady Ester Washington have been married for over 40 years and are the proud parents of three daughters: Franchasca, Ashli, and Amanda. They also take great joy in their beloved “grand-dog,” Pepper Anne.
Meet the First Lady
Hope Washington, affectionately known as “FL,” was born in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago. After graduating from St. James Secondary School, she earned a full athletic scholarship to Jackson State University (MS), where she excelled as a sprinter, setting numerous records. She went on to qualify for both the 1980 and 1984 Olympic Games, proudly representing Trinidad & Tobago. (Click to See More)
Ester holds both undergraduate and graduate degrees from Jackson State University. With nearly four decades of service in education, Ester has been a dedicated resource and classroom educator in Montgomery County, Maryland Public Schools. Her teaching career also spans Louisiana and Mississippi, where she made a lasting impact on students and colleagues alike.
Ester and Pastor Washington, college sweethearts, married while in graduate school and have been united in love and faith for over 40 years. They are the proud parents of three adult daughters: Franchasca, Ashli, and Amanda. A devoted partner in ministry, Ester leads the Wednesday evening Bible School at Emmanuel City of Hope (ECOH) and serves wholeheartedly in various capacities within the church.
A lifelong servant in the Body of Christ, Ester has taught Bible classes and Children’s Church and co-chaired the annual picnic committee at Second New Guide Missionary Baptist Church alongside her husband. She was consecrated as a Deaconess under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Isaac Alston, Sr., at Bright Light Baptist Church.
Above all, Ester is most proud of serving alongside her husband and children in ministry at ECOH, where she remains committed to uplifting and empowering the congregation.
Her favorite scripture, Ephesians 3:20, reflects her unwavering faith: “Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.”
Ester is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Meet the Pastor
Rev. Dr. James E. Washington has been deeply rooted in ministry for his entire life. As a child, he actively served in his church community as a member of the youth choir, a junior usher, and a junior deacon. His dedication continued into adulthood, where he sang in the choir and played an integral role in various church ministries, including men’s ministry. (Tap to See More)
From an early age, Pastor Washington felt the Spirit of God calling him to serve. Many who knew him as a child would often say, “He’s going to be a preacher someday.” Though this remained a passing thought for years, everything changed in 1988 when his spiritual journey took a profound turn under the leadership of the late Rev. Calvin Jackson, Sr., Pastor of Second New Guide Missionary Baptist Church in Louisiana. At Second New Guide, he faithfully served in multiple capacities, including as a choir member, trustee, Sunday School teacher, and later as an ordained deacon.
In the fall of 1993, Pastor Washington answered the call to preach the Word of God, dedicating himself fully to being a vessel for God’s work. On December 12, 1993, he delivered his initial sermon, marking the beginning of his pastoral journey. By 1995, he was both licensed and ordained to preach the gospel.
Pastor Washington continued his ministry as an associate minister at Poplar Grove Baptist Church. In 2008, he was called to serve as interim pastor and, after three years, was appointed senior pastor. He led Poplar Grove for nine years before, in 2017, he and First Lady Washington, along with a dedicated group of believers, established Emmanuel City of Hope Church—a ministry built on faith, service, and community.
Pastor Washington holds both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Education from Jackson State University. He also earned a Ph.D. in Pastoral Ministry from Newburgh Seminary and Bible College.
Above all, Pastor Washington is a devoted husband, father, and shepherd of his congregation. He and First Lady Ester Washington have been married for over 40 years and are the proud parents of three daughters: Franchasca, Ashli, and Amanda. They also take great joy in their beloved “grand-dog,” Pepper Anne.
Meet the First Lady
Ester Hope Washington, affectionately known as “FL,” was born in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago. After graduating from St. James Secondary School, she earned a full athletic scholarship to Jackson State University (MS), where she excelled as a sprinter, setting numerous records. (Tap to See More)
She went on to qualify for both the 1980 and 1984 Olympic Games, proudly representing Trinidad & Tobago. Ester holds both undergraduate and graduate degrees from Jackson State University.
With nearly four decades of service in education, Ester has been a dedicated resource and classroom educator in Montgomery County, Maryland Public Schools. Her teaching career also spans Louisiana and Mississippi, where she made a lasting impact on students and colleagues alike.
Ester and Pastor Washington, college sweethearts, married while in graduate school and have been united in love and faith for over 40 years. They are the proud parents of three adult daughters: Franchasca, Ashli, and Amanda. A devoted partner in ministry, Ester leads the Wednesday evening Bible School at Emmanuel City of Hope (ECOH) and serves wholeheartedly in various capacities within the church.
A lifelong servant in the Body of Christ, Ester has taught Bible classes and Children’s Church and co-chaired the annual picnic committee at Second New Guide Missionary Baptist Church alongside her husband. She was consecrated as a Deaconess under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Isaac Alston, Sr., at Bright Light Baptist Church.
Above all, Ester is most proud of serving alongside her husband and children in ministry at ECOH, where she remains committed to uplifting and empowering the congregation.
Her favorite scripture, Ephesians 3:20, reflects her unwavering faith:
“Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.”
Ester is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Our Ministry
Worship
Through worship, we find strength, guidance, and peace as we draw closer to God and to one another as a faith community. It’s more than a routine—it’s a meaningful experience that renews our spirit and deepens our faith.
Praise
Praising God is how we show our gratitude and joy for all He’s done. Through music, stories, and uplifting words, we celebrate His goodness and share His love with each other.
Serve
Service lies at the heart of our organization. We strive to reflect Christ’s compassion by offering our time, talents, and resources to bring hope and healing to those in need both within our church family and in the broader community.
Our Ministry
Worship
Through worship, we find strength, guidance, and peace as we draw closer to God and to one another as a faith community. It’s more than a routine—it’s a meaningful experience that renews our spirit and deepens our faith.
Praise
Praising God is how we show our gratitude and joy for all He’s done. Through music, stories, and uplifting words, we celebrate His goodness and share His love with each other.
Serve
Service lies at the heart of our organization. We strive to reflect Christ’s compassion by offering our time, talents, and resources to bring hope and healing to those in need both within our church family and in the broader community.
Our Ministry
Worship
Through worship, we find strength, guidance, and peace as we draw closer to God and to one another as a faith community. It’s more than a routine—it’s a meaningful experience that renews our spirit and deepens our faith.
Praise
Praising God is how we show our gratitude and joy for all He’s done. Through music, stories, and uplifting words, we celebrate His goodness and share His love with each other.
Serve
Service lies at the heart of our organization. We strive to reflect Christ’s compassion by offering our time, talents, and resources to bring hope and healing to those in need both within our church family and in the broader community.