First Church Building

(Built in 1874)

Early History

In 1874 the first group of men met to build a Methodist Church in the Old Town area. The men were Mr. Ransom Walker, Mr. John Richmond, and Mr. Francis Pratt.  Mrs. Wade Yarbrough later offered the name “New Hope”, which was the name of the church she attended in Caswell County before coming to the Old Town area.  It was agreed that this was a worthy name, so the name “New Hope” was chosen.   Mr. Ransom Walker was more instrumental in the organization of New Hope United Methodist Church than anyone else.

 

The drawing shown on the right reflects the first church built in 1874.  This drawing was drawn by Mark V. Grubbs (a member in 1974).  Mark was given the dimensions and the structural aspects of the original church building from excellent records kept by Ethel Sprinkle.  The building was approximately 20 feet by 30 feet.  Benches were plank seats with back rest.  A rail was placed in the center to separate the men from the women.  A stove in the center front was used in cold weather.  This building was built in 1874 and dedicated in 1879.

 

Rev. Moses J. Hunt organized New Hope United Methodist Church with fifteen (15) members.  He served New Hope from 1885-1889.  During this period he served 12 churches.  New Hope membership grew to sixty (60) members by 1889, (33 females and 27 males).  Rev. Hunt believed in Sunday school, which he said “old as well as young should attend”.  It was 1896 when the first Sunday school was organized.

new hope united Methodist church

Open hearts, Open minds, Open doors

The People of the United Methodist Church