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In 1875, the Rev. John J. Jones, a circuit rider, organized a small Baptist congregation of 30 members in the newly formed Franklin County. The group was received by the Rehoboth Baptist Association. The congregation met in members' homes and under brush arbors. Baptismal services were held in nearby Stout's Creek. A school was erected in 1886 through the efforts of teacher Dora Snead, who was an active church member. In 1913 a one-room frame building was constructed just south of the school. Though the congregation continued to grow, they often suffered from a lack of funds. In 1928 the church decided to disband because they could not afford a minister. The Rev. John H. Hayes, who was the brother of a member, came to New Hope to serve without benefit of a regular salary. In 1944 a new building was constructed using lumber from the original building. Additions were made as needed, with the installation of a heated baptistry bringing the traidtion of Stout's Creek baptisms to a close. A new fellowship hall was built in 1978. New Hope Baptist Church enjoys an active relationship with other area congregations and continues to uphold the traditions of its founders. (1998) |
