MT. HOPE'S HISTORY

Mt. Hope Church was organized in 1847 by Rev. George W. Welker, D.D., with the membership composed largely of the people of the Reformed faith who withdrew from Coble's Church, a union Lutheran and Reformed Church. 

In addition to his regular church work, Dr. Welker had begun preaching in the evening at Neece's (Neese's) School which was located across the road from the present church building.  Sunday School had been held in the school house since 1832. 

Preaching continued in the school house until a brush arbor was built.  Soon an arbor covered with boards became the place of worship.  In 1851, a brick church was built in the corner of the present cemetary.  This church was dedicated in May, 1851. 

From the time the Church was built in 1851 through 1858, many were converted and joined the church.  Which caused a great change for good in the community.  By 1875 the brick building was too small to accomodate the large crowds who attended the church services and was replaced by a larger wooden structure.

Suffering during the war, the church revived after the end of the war. 

St. Mark's Church was detached from the Guilford Charge in 1944.  Afterwards, Brick and Mt. Hope Churches then constituted the Guilford Charge.  Mt. hope observed its One-Hundredth Anniversary April 13-20, 1947.  As a part of this celebration, the church was host to the Ninth Annual Sessions of the Southern Synod of the Evangelical and Reformed Church.

The Council of Southern Synod, responding to overtures from Brick Church and Mt. Hope Church, took action on February 24, 1949 "That the Guilford Charge be dissolved, and that the Mt. Hope congregation and the Brick congregation each be constituted a pastoral charge."

During the 1950 Sunday School Rally Day, 348 people were in attendance, the largest in the history of the Sunday School.  The average church attendance in 1952 was 325.  The church membership in early 1953 was 494.  In anticipation of adequate educational facilities, a building fund was started.  A new and modern educational building was constructed in 1957.  This new facility was dedicated April 5, 1964. 

On Easter Sunday, April 22, 1973, the congregation held its last Sunday worship in the wooden church.  Beginning with April 29, the worship services were held in the fellowship hall of the educational building.  On this day the congregation processed to the front of the old sanctuary for the Ground-Breaking for the new church building and for the conclusion of the morning worship.  Work began on the new structure in May, 1973.

The Service of Consecration for the present church building was held Sunday, January 12, 1975.  During the 140th anniversary service on November 1, 1987, the mortgage on the new sanctuary was burned.  From the meager beginning, the membership had grown to 520. 

We are now in our 162nd year and still thriving, with great facilities, and wonderful members.  Working and making strides towards serving our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.