The late Rev. James D. Peters Jr., a revered figure in Denver’s civil rights community and longtime pastor at New Hope Baptist Church, will be fondly remembered as a champion for the most marginalized individuals in the city.
Passing away at the age of 92 on Saturday, Peters made history by marching alongside Martin Luther King Jr. across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, in 1965. He brought that spirit of activism to Denver upon becoming New Hope’s pastor in 1978.
A prominent figure in the Colorado Democratic Party, Peters never sought political office himself but instead advocated for greater inclusion of Black individuals within the party and offered prayers at political gatherings. He also chaired the Colorado Civil Rights Commission.
Serving as New Hope Baptist Church’s pastor until 2006, Peters returned from retirement in 2009 to serve as interim pastor until the appointment of Rev. Eugene Downing in 2011, accumulating almost 30 years as the church’s leader. Even after retirement, Peters continued to serve as pastor emeritus until his passing.
While Peters shared a close relationship with King and joined him in numerous marches, Rev. Eugene Downing emphasized that Peters’s actions spoke louder than words. “He was a vocal advocate for social justice,” Downing remarked. “He prioritized the needs of the marginalized and demonstrated unwavering faith, often taking unpopular stances to defend the rights of the vulnerable.”
Rev. Timothy Tyler, pastor at Shorter Community AME Church in Denver, highlighted Peters’s involvement in seeking justice for Marvin Booker, a homeless street preacher who died in the custody of Denver Sheriff Department deputies in 2010. Peters’s familiarity with Booker from his days preaching on the streets spurred him to advocate for policy changes within the sheriff’s department following Booker’s tragic demise.
Originating from Connecticut, Peters was actively engaged in the Civil Rights Movement and held leadership roles within the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Upon relocating to Colorado, he swiftly immersed himself in the local religious community, forging connections with leaders of other Black churches.
Bishop Acen Phillips, a close associate of Peters for over four decades, underscored Peters’s commitment to uniting Black and white communities against racism, inspired by the teachings of Jesus Christ and principles of non-violence. Phillips credited Peters’s efforts for influencing Denver’s political landscape, contributing to the elections of two Black mayors, Wellington Webb and Michael Hancock.
State Sen. Rhonda Fields, who sought Peters’s guidance after her son’s tragic murder in 2005, praised him for his compassionate pastoral care and unwavering support. Fields attested to Peters’s impactful presence in the lives of many, emphasizing his role as a pillar of comfort and guidance.
In addition to his activism and ministry, Peters harbored a deep love for sports, particularly baseball, boasting season tickets for the Rockies and Broncos. Bishop Acen Phillips reflected on their enduring friendship, characterized by mutual celebrations of life’s simple joys and steadfast support during personal hardships.
A viewing for Peters is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Friday, with his funeral to follow at 11 a.m. on Saturday, both held at New Hope Baptist Church, 3701 Colorado Blvd.
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