New Hope Baptist Church in Pearl installs Rev. Dr. Matthew Riley

By Brinda F. Willis, Ph.D.

JA Contributing Writer

The New Hope Baptist Church, 935 MS 469, in Pearl, Mississippi, installed Reverend Dr. Matthew Riley as its new pastor on June 7, 2026.

The family of Rev. Dr. Riley, including his wife, Mrs. Marie Cherry Riley; son, Matthew Jr.; and daughter, Kimberli, accompanied him during the installation ceremony. 

 Rev. Dr. Larry Weathers of Truelight Missionary Baptist Church delivered the message of the day.

Rev. Dr. Brodrick Hutchins of  Mt. Able M.B. Church (Canton, MS) was the Call to Worship leader and program guide for the installation service. The combined choirs of New Hope Baptist Church and Truelight Baptist Church provided the songs of praise throughout the installation services. Rev. Lee Carson (Pastor of Pilgrim Rest M.B. Church), Canton, MS, gave the Installation Charge to Rev. Dr. Riley. And Rev. Dr. Clifton Boggans delivered the Charge to the New Hope Church and Installation Prayer. Rev. Dr. Riley accepted the charge. 

Participating ministers from area churches included:

• Rev. Dr. Clifton Boggans, (Pastor of Rock Star M.B. Church & Moderator of Spring Hill District Association)

• Rev. Dennis M. Grant (Pastor of Jerusalem M.B. Church & Gen. Sec. Baptist Convention)

• Rev. Angelo Riley (Pastor of Mary Grove M.B. Church/Canton, MS)

• Rev. Dr. Larry L. King (Pastor of New St. Phillip M.B. Church/Cleveland, MS)

The Food Service Department of the New Hope Baptist Church, headed by Sister Brenda Lipsey, prepared a lavish installation reception for guests, church members, and Rev. Dr. Riley’s family. 

Rev. Dr. Weathers gave the benediction and blessed the food, bringing the services to a close.

Rev. Dr. Riley and First Lady Marie Riley expressed their gratitude to everyone participating in the Installation Service. In a passionate address after the installation ceremony, Rev. Dr. Riley thanked the New Hope congregation for the privilege of serving as their leader, pledged to continue serving as God had led him, and stated, “I will continue to be a servant of the Lord’s work as your Pastor.”

Rev. Dr. Riley was born in Walnut Grove, Mississippi. He is the son of Barnett “Chief” Riley and Earline Riley.

He graduated from South Leake High School and continued his education by earning an Associate of Liberal Arts from East Central Community College, a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Mississippi Valley State University, a Master of Science in Leadership from Belhaven University, and a Doctorate in Practical Ministry from Andersonville Theological Seminary.

In 2012, he answered his call to ministry. 

For many years, Rev. Dr. Riley has been actively involved in the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., and East Mississippi State Baptist Convention.