New Hope United Methodist Church History SummaryToday we come to celebrate our heritage at New Hope United Methodist Church. For this we give honor and praise to our lord and Savior Jesus the Christ. We come to celebrate one hundred and forty one years of faithful service to God and humanity. In 1872 our forefathers purchased this land to build this church under the helm of Rev. P. Travis and others namely, Bro. Jack Ivory, Bro. Spencer Gay, and Bro. Jessie Grooms. The concrete steps outside are left as memory of the past. In 1954 the ground was cleared and our new sanctuary was erected under the leadership of Rev. G. P. Wilson and given the name New Hope Episcopal Methodist Church. In 1970 the church emerged with the North Georgia Conference as New Hope United Methodist Church under the direction of Rev.C.0.Gordon. We never forget our humble beginnings; therefore, we pause to recognize all those who have paved the way from one disposition of grace to another. Many accomplishments and have been made to beautify the house of God by our former Pastors, Laity and members.A new altar was built by Rev. C. 0. Gordon and renovations were made to our vestibule by Rev. E. F. Dabney. Bro. Hugh Brooks built a ramp for the handicap and Georgia Power Company donated land for cemetery lots. We thank Almighty God for birthing the vision in the heart of Sister Hessie Gay for organizing the Church Anniversary and Sister Alice Beasley (for serving as historian). Many great leaders have come and gone but are never forgotten as they have left such a rich legacy for New Hope United Methodist Church. They include Rev. Grey, Rev. Phillips, Rev. Bailey, Rev. Rucker, Rev. Dorsey, Rev. Wyatt, Rev. Cato, Rev. Gissentana, Rev. Jones, Rev. P. H. Mays, Rev. Seay, Rev. Evans, Rev. G. P. Wilson, Rev. C.O. Gordon, Rev. Lewis Lindsey, Rev. 0. B. Davis, Rev. Earl F. Dabney, Rev. Belinda McCastle, Rev. Dr. Robert C. White, Jr. Our current pastor is Rev. Dr. Aubrey Thompson.Rev. Belinda McCastle served as our assisted pastor under Rev. Earl F. Dabney from 2002 to 2004.1n June of 2004 she was appointed pastor of our church. During her leadership, Rev. McCastle and the members of New Hope UMC completed many kingdom-building projects such as a debt free church, a sound room with technology integrated into the worship service, renovation of the pastor's office/study, incorporation of the church, the purchase of fifteen acres of land, Christian education enhancement through church development, youth church {as of Jan 2009); children church (as of May of 2009). Although the community/youth center has always been a part of the church, it officially be­ came an extension of the church property in October of 2007. In 2008 and 2009 we were represented in the Fayette & Clayton Softball league with softball teams-The New Hope Warriors. In 2011, a food bank ministry was started.Rev. Dr. Robert C. White was appointed pastor of New Hope in June of 2012. Under his leadership, three ministers were selected for Candidacy for the Ministry in the United Methodist Church: Rev. William Collier, Dr. Kimberly Dugger and Michael Johnson. Rev. Collier and Dr. Dugger completed the ministerial process. Minister Johnson passed before the completion of the process. Rev. Collier was appointed to two churches in the Griffin District in June of 2013. Dr. Dugger is available for appointment and continues to serve as a minister here at New Hope with concentration in youth ministries. Also under Rev. White's leadership the Youth Choir was dedicated and officially named the Nicole Askew Smith Youth Choir on October 21of 2012. A paper recycling program was started in 2013.Our current pastor, Rev. Dr. Aubrey Thompson, has over 30 years of service as a Methodist minister. Rev. Thompson and the members continue to work on kingdom building projects. Under his leadership and guidance combined with the planning and hard work of the trustees, land development committee & members we have cleared the land adjacent to the church. The picnic area is under construction with picnic tables and barbeque pits. The baseball/softball field is almost complete with the fencing and dugout being currently installed and the land has been cleared for outdoor basketball courts. Also new heating & air condition units have been install in the Lodge/Youth Hall and new cabinets are being added to the center as well (These additions where made possible by our Trustees, members, and the United Methodist Women & the United Methodist Women auxiliaries.) In 2015 the Lodge Hall/Youth Center was completed renovated by the Women on The Move (an extension of the Methodist Women) and the Church. In 2016, the Women on the Move purchased a much needed storage house/shed for the church. In 2017 we had the dedication of our baseball field & picnic area. Also interior renovations were done to the church (new paint/new flooring).Rev. Sharon Cooper was appointed our new pastor as of June 25, 2017. God has truly blessed New Hope United Methodist Church these 145 years. For as it is written, eyes not seen, nor ears heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for New Hope United Methodist Church. New Hope United Methodist Church is governed by North Georgia Conference our presiding Bishop is Sue Haupert-Johnson and Rev. Susan Landry is the District Superintendent.