HOPEWELL MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church was organized in the summer of 1902 under the pecan tree that stood in the northwest corner of the lot. Rev. Clint Lyons, Deacon Henderson Boston, and Allen Counter Sr. saw the need for a pastor. Rev. J.W. Wedlow was elected to the position and Janie Dawson was secretary. An arbor was built to hold services until winter, and the services were held in the Old Fellowship Hall located in the northwest part of town. Different ministers preached the Word until 1915, and Rev. L.W. Wells was elected to pastor. The first building and other additions were constructed under his leadership. Rev. E.C. Taylor took pastor ship. Shortly thereafter Rev. Garner became pastor and an additional 10 were added to the front of the church. Rev. C.F. Ervin then pastored Hopewell from 1938 to 1941. Hopewell was pastured by Rev. A.R. Mitchell pastored from 1942 to 1944. In 1944, Rev. Morrow pastored Hopewell and the Lord added daily to the church as He saw fit. A piano and pulpit furniture was purchased and a Junior Mission was organized. Rev. W.M. Blanton was elected pastor when construction began on a new building. In April of 1957, under the leadership of Rev. W.M. Topsy, the front of the building was constructed of stone. Ordained as deacons: Noah Sumner, Charlie Collins and Cliff Love. Deacons on staff: James Randle, Will Penny, Shack Benton, Willie Sumner, Silas Payne and Reeder Russell. In March 1960, a room was added on and the members decided to add six windows and three doors - closing off a door located on the north wall but adding a door on the south wall. Also, according to church records, the “other cornerstone” was moved from the rear to the front of the church.

Former pastors over the years: Rev. O.C. Turrentine, Rev. T.R. Vine, Rev. James Stark, Rev, Cooper, Rev. M.B. Allen (1971) and Rev. Green. In March of 1976, Rev. Joe B. Dawson became pastor of Hopewell and Morris Taylor donated additional pulpit furniture. On March 11, 1990, Delbert Love was ordained as deacon and in March 1992, he preached his first sermon and was ordained as Rev. Love. In 1993, Rev. James Bolin was appointed associate minister. In November 1990, new pews were purchased and Rev. Delbert Love, Dennis Davis and Stevie Love assisted in the installation of the new furniture. Member Vanzilla Potts donated new carpet, a water fountain, front doors, church sign and a memorial plaque. Paneling and air conditioners were purchased. Sidewalks and handrails were added to the steps at the kitchen and pastor’s study. The Lord added to the church as he saw fit, and the church roll increased. With faith and determination, new members and current members got on one accord, and a new roof was purchased in addition to a church bus. In 1995, Rev. Dawson went home to be with the Lord, and Rev. Bolin watched over the flock until Rev. Timothy Robinson was called to pastor in October 1995.

During the summer of 1999, remodeling began on the old building and construction began on the current building used for worship today. Work was completed in 2000 in time to celebrate the church’s anniversary. Rev. Timothy Robinson served as pastor until June 2002, and Rev. Maurice Robinson watched over the flock until Dr. E.D. Fields came and served as interim-pastor from September 2002, until August 2003, wherein he was officially installed as pastor of Hopewell. Proverbs 29:18 states that “Where there is no vision, the people perish:” Under Dr. Fields’ leadership and vision a kitchen was added in February 2003. In April 2004, Rev. Eric Martin and his family united with the Hopewell family. In June he was elevated to the position of associate minister and was later called to pastor his own church.

In June of 2004, a new piano, new pews, and new carpeting were installed. In addition, a side door entrance to the fellowship hall was added. In May 2005 an organ was donated and in 2006 chairs were purchased, re-upholstered and added to the church. In January 2009 Dr. Fields retired to the status of Pastor emeritus and Rev. Chris Thornton Sr. was called to pastor Hopewell. We pray the Lord will continue to add to the church daily as He sees fit, more spiritually minded members, so that we may continue to grow and prosper and bring to pass the vision that has been kept alive all these years and was first seen that summer of 1902 under the pecan tree that stood in the northwest corner of the lot.