The funeral services for the esteemed civil rights icon and beloved minister, Rev. Dr. James D. Peters Jr., will be held at his home church, New Hope Baptist Church, 3701 Colorado Blvd., Denver, Colorado. The Visitation and Gathering of Remembrance, scheduled for Friday, May 16, 2025, at 6:00 pm, will provide friends, colleagues, and family a meaningful opportunity to honor his life and support one another. The Celebration of Life Service, to be held on Saturday, May 17, at 11:00 am, will be a poignant commemoration of a man’s remarkable journey dedicated to justice, faith, and community uplift.

Rev. Peters passed away peacefully on the evening of May 10, 2025, at the age of 92, surrounded by his loving family in prayer.

Rev. Peters was born in 1933 in Connecticut and grew up in Washington, D.C. He discovered his passion for preaching at 19 years old, beginning a remarkable journey of ministry and service. By age 30, he rallied his Connecticut church members to join him at the 1963 March on Washington, where 250,000 people gathered and heard Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s unforgettable “I Have a Dream” speech.

Rev. Peters, a powerful and inspiring voice in the Civil Rights Movement, worked closely with Dr. King. His early involvement as a Southern Christian Leadership Conference member and active participation in the NAACP underscore his unwavering commitment to promoting racial justice, civil rights, economic equity, and spiritual freedom. His influence was evident, whether he spoke from the pulpit or joined others on the picket line.

In 1978, Rev. Peters became the eighth pastor of New Hope Baptist Church in Denver. He oversaw significant growth and transformation during his nearly three decades of leadership.

Rev. Peters’ leadership was crucial in guiding the New Hope congregation in 1993 from a church built in 1906 near the Five Points neighborhood to a newly constructed house of worship that spans nearly one city block. The new location features a bright, open sanctuary with balconies, overflow rooms, office space, and parking. This church stands as a testament to his vision and dedication.

In 2003, under his leadership, the church opened the Family Life Center, a $2.3 million, 17,645-square-foot multi-purpose facility featuring a gymnasium, banquet hall, commercial kitchen, stage, choir rehearsal space, meeting rooms, and a Prayer & Meditation Room.

In 2006, upon retirement, he was named Pastor Emeritus, a title he held with great humility and grace.

Peters returned in 2009 to lead New Hope during a pastoral transition, serving faithfully until a new pastor was appointed in 2011, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the church.

Rev. Peters was a dedicated member of the Greater Metro Denver Ministerial Alliance, where he served as a spiritual mentor, civil rights advocate, and unifier across denominations and communities.

Rev. Peters’s enduring commitment to justice and equality is a beacon of inspiration. The Colorado Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Commission has honored his legacy by naming an annual award, recognizing individuals who exemplify the values and vision that Rev. Peters championed. His dedication to these principles is a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have on the world.

Rev. Dr. Peters’ ministry extended beyond local and national platforms; it was a powerful combination of spiritual leadership and unwavering social advocacy. His belief in the Christian call to justice, freedom, and love was not merely an idea but a guiding principle he embodied daily, profoundly impacting everyone he encountered.

As we mourn the passing of Rev. Dr. Peters, we also celebrate his powerful legacy. His impact, unwavering commitment to justice, and relentless advocacy for equality will continue to inspire future generations.

DWN

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