By Norma Moore
Hopewell Church has been an establishment of Hopewell Community since
1865. The first settlers were Christians and wanted God to be top
priority in their lives. They established the church as the
gathering place of worship services, singing services and community
events. Their first church was a brush arbor on the three acres of
land that Greene Hansboro donated for the church. It has been the
mainstay of the community from generation to generation since 1865.
In 1882 the church was improved from
a Brush Arbor to a rough lumber building and then into a more modern
frame building. In 1990 a beautiful brick building was established
as their house of worship. The Hopewell Church has always been a
lighthouse for God's ministry.
From the beginning, Sunday School
classes, Sunday Worship and BTU programs were held on Sunday. The
youth are in charge of two Sunday services each month. This
includes the preaching, singing, playing musical instruments and the
many revivals and special singings held at the Hopewell Church.
Visiting preachers and singing groups from all parts of Texas have
brought impressive recognition with them.
The Hopewell church attendance has
always been strong in number. The Adeline, Wash, Baker, Gus, Annie
Lusk, Henrietta Johnson and the Adeline Hansborough families, who with
ancestors attending, have a record from its beginning.
The church is over 100 years old and
with its historical service of God's ministry and its valuable youth
leadership is a Hopewell legend. Their young men and women provide
a wealth of Christianity, spreading the gospel. C. J. Reed, Henry
Haley and Ben Woodard were early reverends.
Today, Rev. Herman West is the
preacher of the Hopewell Church. He preaches every two weeks.
He lives in Ft. Worth yet he keeps in touch on a regular basis with the
leaders of the church and he is there at all times if he is needed.
Henrietta Johnson and Adeline
Hansborough, along with their 35-40 faithful members are dedicated in
serving God, their church, and community.