Hopewell Church

(1923-)

The Gospel Messenger April 5, 1924 page 224 Vol. 73 No. 14

Hopewell Mission.—March 16 marks the beginning of the first Brethren mission to be opened in this city. Having met in the home of Bro. J. T. Miller on a previous Sunday and organized, we were ready to proceed without delay with the work at the opening of the Sunday-school services at 2:30 P. M. Bro. A. P. Cook, superintendent, presided. We had a good attendance and came away inspired to work with new zeal. A number of our Richmond brethren motored over for the opening services and we were very glad to have them present. Christian Workers was held at 6:45 P. M., with preaching, services following, conducted by Bro. J. T. Miller, who has recently been elected to the ministry. His subject, " A Midnight Storm at Sea," was a very helpful and inspiring one. The attendance was large. Due to the persistent efforts of four families residing here it was possible to open this mission. We have secured a large, commodious hall in a very desirable location, which we have remodeled and fitted for services. The auditorium has a seating capacity of about 175 to 200. We have at present four class rooms, and as the mission grows there is ample room for expansion. The four families, mentioned above, were able to bear the expenses of remodeling and furnishing by asking individual friends in the Valley for donations. Two families helped in a unique way. They had formerly resided at Crewe, Va., and had helped purchase lots there for a church, When the project of building was abandoned, the lots were sold and the money turned over to the Mission Board, which upon request turned it back to these families to be used in church work here. If at any time brethren are traveling via the Norfolk and Western Railway through Petersburg, we would greatly appreciate their paying us a visit, as Hopewell is connected with Petersburg by interurban trolley—Madeleine M. Hayes, Hopewell, Va., March 18.

The Gospel Messenger Nov. 8, 1924 page 716 Vol. 73 No. 45

A NEW CHURCH ORGANIZED

In response to a call from Hopewell, Virginia, the Chairman of the Mission Board and the Secretary of the Ministerial Board of the First District of Virginia, left Roanoke Oct. 17 for Hopewell. At Petersburg we transferred to the trolley line which took us through the grounds of Camp Lee, where many of our boys lost their lives during the "flu" epidemic, and many others started the downward road of life.

  At Hopewell we met Brethren Early and Flohr representing the Mission and Ministerial Boards of the Eastern District of Virginia.

   At 8 P. M. the members came together and organized a congregation to be known as the Hopewell Church of the Brethren, in the First District of Virginia. An elder was selected from the Roanoke church; Bro. J, T. Miller and wife were installed into the ministry, two deacons were elected and the necessary officers chosen.

  Hopewell was formerly a part of the Richmond (Virginia) church, and Bro. I. N. H. Beahm, elder of the Richmond church, was also present and took part in the organization. This little band of members has had a remarkable increase since they began work last spring. Beginning with thirteen members they have baptized twenty-two more within a very short time.

   We hope by careful, consistent, sincere, active living by the membership some day there may be a flourishing church at Hopewell. J. T. Miller lives at 122 6th Ave., Hopewell, Va. C. D. Hylton. Roanoke, Va.