Our History and Our Future

The First Methodist Church of Hope, Arkansas, was organized and built during the year of 1874. It was located on the corner of North Pine and Avenue A. with Rev. C.O. Steele as the first pastor. He bought the lot next to the church for $125.00 and built the house that was used for the parsonage.

The first church burned in the late 1890’s. The church then bought property on the south side of the railroad, which was Second and Pine Streets. The church building, Sunday School rooms, and the parsonage were built on this property. The church was a wooden frame building.

As the church membership grew, a large sanctuary was needed. On October 25, 1916, the good news of a new Methodist Church was announced. The beautiful brick building was built on the corner of Second and Pine Streets, and across the street from the old wooden church. The first sermon was preached in the new church on July 22, 1918, by Rev. T.D. Scott. During 1939, Mr. N.P. O’Neal had the church basement made into a recreation room which was used for the many functions of the various organizations of the church. As the church grew, additional property was acquired for expansion. In 1960 the Educational Building was started and was completed for dedication July 2, 1961.

In 1972, the present church was built at a new location on Highway 29 South. The groundbreaking for the church property was on April 9, 1972, with Rev. Norris Steele, the pastor. The first service was held on October 7, 1973. The stained-glass windows from the old church were used in the sanctuary that now seats a capacity of 500 people.

In 2023, the majority of members at First United Methodist Church voted to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church and begin operating as an independent Methodist church. The first service as Hope Methodist Church was held on July 2, 2023, with Lay Leader, Dan Rohrbaugh bringing the sermon and Rev. Keenan Williams, pastor of Washington Methodist Church serving communion.

Our history is more than just buildings. These facilities frame the memories that bless and enrich our experiences as we face the future, praying that we may grow in faith, manifest an increase of love, and become ever more willing to be His people.