Hopewell celebrates 225 years

SIMPSONVILLE—Nov. 17 was a fantastic day of celebration for Hopewell United Methodist Church. 

That day, Hopewell celebrated its 225th anniversary with a service of worship, a giving of their “first fruits,” a prayer walk around the footprint of their planned new sanctuary, a churchwide Thanksgiving meal—and an afternoon of macaroni mayhem, feeding more than 1,000 people macaroni and cheese.

Dubbed “First Fruits Sunday,” Hopewell UMC celebrated the conclusion of their capital campaign, which ended with great success a few weeks earlier. For the campaign, the church gathered pledge commitments from their families to support the forthcoming new construction of a new and larger sanctuary. The new sanctuary will be adjacent to the current sanctuary/multipurpose room, which has been in use since 1995. 

“Hopewell’s recent growth has been great, and it can only be attributed to the spirit of Christ that is in the building and the people,” said church member Steven Jackson. “Many comment how friendly the congregation is and are surprised at how this small body can accomplish so much in the name of Jesus.”

Whether Hopewell’s efforts involve supporting local foster families with their foster closet, showing up to homes in need of repair to help families stay together, or feeding more than 1,000 people macaroni and cheese for Thanksgiving through a local food bank, Hopewell strives to make a difference.

The church’s faithful turn out consistently to support the many projects the church offers.