​1964
A group of area church leaders and interested people, including descendants of the original pastor and congregants, petitioned Columbus for the incorporation of the church. Their petition was successful, and the national missions committee of the Miami Presbytery of the United Presbyterian church announced that the church would be kept in use for visitors and campers of Hueston Woods State Park, with various pastors sharing the pulpit.

​The Hopewell Church Restoration Committee was formed to lead preservation efforts. As a brochure from the time period described:
"William Simpson suggested the name 'Historic Hopewell' and it was incorporated. It was their vision and belief that the building could again shelter and inspire worshiping people . . . The first service was held May 31, 1964 at 8:45 A.M. with Rev. John Britcher [of Morning Sun U.P. Church] speaking to 12 people in the East church yard. That afternoon at 3:00, a meeting was held to incorporate the interdenominational, non-profit organization." [See image below for more information.]

Letter from Corresponding Secretary Mrs. William Simpson asking for assistance with renovations, 1964.

Description of the formation of Historic Hopewell, Inc. and the dedication service.

1965
For two summers, meetings were held outside. Chairs, song books and the Boy Scout’s lectern from the Morning Sun United Presbyterian Church was carried “out and in” by willing hands. Rev. Van Inwegen brought a small portable organ from Oxford Seminary Church which was used in outdoor services. One Sunday service when there was no speaker, a minister who was camping at Hueston Woods volunteered and a Boy Scout played the organ. Offerings were generous and the speakers volunteered their service.

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1966
Services moved inside and they revived the annual homecoming celebration. Commemorative plates and tiles were made for the event, decorated with the church's picture and a brief history.

The church faced $10,000 in restoration costs after being declared unsafe in 1961.

1967
Gifts were sent in by friends, making it possible to repair and clean the church in the early spring of 1967. Agnes G. Stubbs, of Morning Sun, was active in the restoration and reopening of Hopewell. 

​The church received a number of donations, which are detailed in History Collection of Historic Hopewell Church. Among these were hymnals, an American flag which had flown over the Capitol Building, and folding chairs. 

Volunteers from Dayton, OH at Hopewell to perform a general cleaning, 1967.

1970s
The church began to host marriage ceremonies and other events. Around 1976, thieves entered the church and took a chandelier hanging over the pulpit, a pump organ, and six pews. They have not been recovered.

1980
The Board of Trustees became inactive. Bill and June Sheard joined the efforts of the Stubbs and Tuttleys to ensure services continued.

1985
​​News clip from the Cincinnati Enquirer, titled "Campers Worship at Historic Church" by John R. Clark. The article describes the church and gives a brief history.

Hopewell was visited by worshippers from over 30 denominations of U.S. churches, as well as from international visitors to the area.

1999
The first major renovation in over 100 years was undertaken by a group of volunteers, spearheaded by Virgil Otto with great support from the Fairhaven Community Church and College Corner Presbyterian. The floor was replaced by volunteers, the walls were repaired, the ceiling was dry-walled, and a small furnace was installed for Christmas Eve services. More details on preservation efforts can be found on the Building Restoration page.

2000
​The church began to offer membership to anyone interested. Hopewell was once again governed by a committee board.

2008
Historic Hopewell Church was approved for the National Register of Historic Places and awarded an Ohio Historical Marker.

Above are the proclamations Hopewell received from state lawmakers to celebrate its recognition as a historic site.

Bicentennial
Hopewell celebrated its bicentennial anniversary on July 12, 2008 with a dedication ceremony for the Ohio Historical Marker and the National Register of Historic Places Marker. Preble County, the Ohio Governor, Ohio House, Ohio Senate, and Ohio Historical Society honored Hopewell with proclamations and recognition. View the Photo Gallery for more.

2013
Hopewell received recognition from the Friends of Freedom Society, Inc. to commemorate Hopewell's involvement in the Underground Railroad. The church was acknowledged as a Historic Underground Railroad Site with the Historic UGRR Marker Flag.

For more on Historic Hopewell's role in the Underground Railroad, see the Underground Railroad page.

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2020
Past and Present trustees Gary Salmon, Laura Cohen, Bob Simpson, and Don Jackson worked with Miami University students enrolled in a Professional Writing capstone class to create this website and a brochure for the Historic Hopewell Church. Students visited the church in February.

The students were: Sarah Baumgartner; Kelsey, D’Aries; Arnav Damodhar; Julia Demagall; Allie Durkee; Jordan Gilligan; Russell Hamm; Paige Hepner; Rachel Lowrie; Jane Marsh; Abby McFadyen; and Madilyn Moeller.  Their faculty advisor was Dr. Heidi McKee.

Funding for field trips for this project provided by  a Career Grant from Miami University's Center for  Career Exploration and Success. In addition, many of the photos on this site, especially the banner photos, were taken by Miami student (Class of 2020) Junho Moon, who is a professional photographer (jmoon.photography) and who graciously gave permission for their use.

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​Interested in learning more about our history? We have publications on the church available for order.

Our Publications