About Historic Hopewell
History of Hopewell
The Hopewell Associate Reformed Church, now referred to as Historic Hopewell Church, is a landmark on the National Register of Historic Places. It was founded in 1808 by Scotch-Irish Presbyterians who chose to leave their settlement in South Carolina and move to Ohio because of their opposition to slavery. In 1814, Reverend Alexander Porter was appointed as Hopewell’s first permanent pastor. As the community grew, the original log church was replaced in 1825 by the brick structure that is the Historic Hopewell Church today.
For over 100 years the church and its members were an active congregation, contributing to the settlement of Ohio and leading abolitionist efforts. Hopewell also served as a frequently used stop on the Underground Railroad, providing shelter and worship for slaves who sought freedom. Many members of the church served as conductors on the Underground Railroad.
Throughout the 19th-century, the church community grew so large that at various points in its history, daughter churches were formed in the nearby towns of Fairhaven (1835), Oxford (1837), College Corner (1849), and Morning Sun (1879). In 1915, because of the expansion of the four daughter churches, the Hopewell Church was shuttered. Hopewell remained closed until the 1960s when descendants of the original families and other community members began restoration efforts to create the Historic Hopewell Church we have today.
For over 100 years the church and its members were an active congregation, contributing to the settlement of Ohio and leading abolitionist efforts. Hopewell also served as a frequently used stop on the Underground Railroad, providing shelter and worship for slaves who sought freedom. Many members of the church served as conductors on the Underground Railroad.
Throughout the 19th-century, the church community grew so large that at various points in its history, daughter churches were formed in the nearby towns of Fairhaven (1835), Oxford (1837), College Corner (1849), and Morning Sun (1879). In 1915, because of the expansion of the four daughter churches, the Hopewell Church was shuttered. Hopewell remained closed until the 1960s when descendants of the original families and other community members began restoration efforts to create the Historic Hopewell Church we have today.
Hopewell Today
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Today, the church is an active community resource. More than 150 people are members of the Historic Hopewell Church, helping to fulfill its mission.
The Hopewell Church holds Sunday services every summer in cooperation with other area churches. The services are held at 9:30 a.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Dress is casual and all are invited to attend! A special Christmas service is held each year in December. For more information on Hopewell services, please see our Worship Services & Calendar page. |
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The Historic Hopewell Church is also available for rental for weddings, baptism, memorial services, funerals and other events. For more information, please see our Facility Rental page.
Mission Statement
To preserve our heritage and to perpetuate the church's care for future generations. To promote the organization by inviting others to join with us to support this worthy goal. To provide a place of interdenominational worship.
