Henry Daniel Edwards was born and reared in Plaquemine, Louisiana.
Upon graduating from Iberville High School, he immediately served a tour of duty in the United States Air Force during the Viet Nam Era. He received a Bachelor of Art Degree from Oklahoma City University located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Master of Human Relations Degree from University of Oklahoma located in Norman, Oklahoma; Master of Divinity Degree from Phillips Theological Seminary located in Tulsa, Oklahoma and Doctor of Ministry Degree from Perkin School of Theology at Southern Methodist University located in Dallas, Texas. He holds licenses in counseling with the state of Texas and Louisiana.
In September 1981 he was ordained Itinerant Elder and pastored several churches in Oklahoma, Texas, and Louisiana. Prior to coming to New Hope C. M. E. Church, he worked in several positions in the private sector as; Electronic Engineering Technician, Special Education Teacher, and Addiction Therapist.
Rev. Dr. Edwards is married to Sandra Edwards. He has one daughter (Valerie R. Edwards) by a previous wife who is deceased and two grandsons (Tyler and R.J). He Has two step children Turkessa Shelley and Aris Freeman.
Some of the men of New Hope: Left to Right: Bro. Reggie Woods, Bro. Wilbert McClinton Jr., Bro. Murry Crump, Bro. Elmer McClinton Sr., Bro. Gary Williams, Bro. Michael McClinton, and Bro. Willie Norman
Back Row: Mr. Ellis R. Spikes, Carver Elementary School Principal; The Reverend Dr. H. LeonWilliams Sr.; Crowley District Presiding Elder, Mr. Carlos Archield, Police Juryman: Front Row: Reverend Daniel Stafford, Starlight Baptist Church Pastor; Reverend Alfred Holmes, Beech Grove Baptist Church Pastor; Reverend Ronald Jordan, Mt. Caanan Baptist Church Pastor; The Reverend Dr. H. Daniel Edwards, New Hope Christian Methodist Episcopal Church Pastor; Mrs. Sandra Freeman-Edwards, New Hope First Lady; Mrs. Brenda Iles, St. Paul First Lady and The Reverend David Iles, St. Paul C.O.G.I.C. Pastor.