The First Hundred Years - 1813 - 1913

In 1813, Hopewell Church was organized as a Methodist Episcopal Church.   
The original building’s construction began in 1853 and was not completed until after the War between the States.  This building was used by the church until 1891.  
In 1853, the Rev. J.T. Williams was the pastor and the membership was approximately 30 members.  Mr. Bonie Brown led singing in those days using a tuning fork, as the church had no organ. 

According to records, in 1872, the Rev. Thomas Diggs was pastor. Also in that year, Richard and Amanda Smith sold an acre of land to Hopewell Episcopal Church for $5.00.  
In 1891, there were so many new members a new building was built.  The old building was dismantled, moved, sold to the Primitive Baptist congregation, and reconstructed on what is now Qualla Road.  In 1892, Dr. H. E. Johnston, pastor, started and completed the new sanctuary. Church membership had grown to 200 members. 

In 1902, the church purchased 10 acres of land adjacent to the property they owned, for use as a cemetery.  In 1913, Hopewell Church was transferred from the West Chesterfield Charge to the Chesterfield Charge. The Rev. McDaniel Rucker was the pastor. 

Hopewell Church during World War I and World War II -1914 – 1945


During World War I, the Rev. George M. Bishop was the charge pastor. In 1922, The Rev. T.W. Wiley organized an Epworth League at Hopewell Church.  This was the forerunner of the Methodist Youth Fellowship and had an initial membership of 40 youths.  It was said to be the first in the Virginia Conference. 

In 1936, the first Vacation Bible School was held and became an annual event. 
In 1939, the Leaders Bible Class was organized in the home of Mr. & Mrs. Otto Richter.  Through the years this group assisted in raising funds for church improvement.  Also, in 1939, the Women’s Society of Christian Service was organized for the furtherance of the cause of missions.  Later, the group’s name changed to The United Methodist Women and remained a vital part of the church family.  

It was in 1939, that The Methodist Episcopal Church, The Methodist Episcopal Church South (of which Hopewell was part), and The Methodist Protestant Church merged to form the Methodist Church.  The minister, Rev. E. Carroll DeJarnette, served a seven-point charge and Hopewell held services on the first and third Sundays.  

In 1945, The Rev. F.C.B. Mohr became pastor and served for five years.