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Hopewell African Methodist Episcopal Church

1300 County Road
256-767-4902

Since March 4, 1870, Hopewell has served as a place where African-Americans could freely worship and praise God. The church was originally built on a 2-acre plot donated by white landowners. Although we don't know the donor's reason, this type of philantrophy occured often after the Civil War. The founding trustees of the church were Brothers Charles Hough, Louis McDonald, Washington McVay, Henry Patton, Henry Edward Patton, Charlie Posey, Buck Wilson, and William Wilson.

Around 1928, Reverend T.B. Edge came from Lainton, Alabama to preside over Hopewell. He stayed in the parsonage next to the church and traveled to collect board and provisions. Money was scarce. As a result, most of the items collected were canned, harvested, or hunted. Some common items were beans, corn, peas, and jellies. As time went on, money became a more important factor in keeping the church up and running.

Later on, the church suffered a major blow. It was completely destroyed by a fire. Eventually, a barb wire fence was erected around the church site. Pisgah AME Church (Rev. O.B. Posie) opened it's doors to the church body. Hopewell was lifted up in prayer and the prayers were answered. Walter and Julie Freeman opened their doors for the church to carry on God's word, under the leadership of Reverend Fred Perkins, Sr.

There was a lot of details that had to be worked out before the church could be rebuilt. Again, prayers were answered and a way was made for reconstruction to begin. By the late 1960's, the church had started rebuilding. Some of the people carrying out the reconstruction plans were Willie Mae Yarbrough, Julia Fuqua, Asa Yarbrough, Luster Bowens, and Walter Fuqua. In the late 90's, the church was again blessed - this time with a fellowship hall!

Pastors that have been affiliated with the church in the past include: Rev. T.B. Edge, Rev. Chueesebura, Rev. G.W. Blacksheft, Rev. R.W. Hicks, Rev. Maple, Rev. Bruce, Rev. Gardner, Rev. Hefferd, Rev. Davis, Rev. Marzet, Rev. Knight, Rev. Price, Rev. Draper, Rev. Robert Jones, Rev. C.B. Foxx, Rev. S.J. Walker, Bro. Anthony Hawkins, Rev. Houston Anderson, Rev. William T. Thompson, Rev. Lennie Moore, Rev. James Barnett, Rev. Raymond Swafford, Bro. Anre' D. Faush, Bro. Samuel Nicholson, Rev. Roosevelt Willams III, and Rev. Sheryl Shipman.

The plot of land that the church sits on will always belong to Hopewell as long as its' doors are open and religious services are being held