About Our Church
| John Wesley (1703-1791) |
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About The United Methodist Church
On April 23, 1968, The United Methodist Church was created when Bishop Reuben H. Mueller, representing The Evangelical United Brethren Church,
and Bishop Lloyd C. Wicke of The Methodist Church joined hands at the constituting General Conference in Dallas, Texas. With the words, "Lord of the
Church, we are united in Thee, in Thy Church and now in The United Methodist Church," the new denomination was given birth by two churches that had
distinguished histories and influential ministries in various parts of the world.
Theological traditions steeped in the Protestant Reformation and Wesleyanism, similar ecclesiastical structures, and relationships that dated back
almost two hundred years facilitated the union. In the Evangelical United Brethren heritage, for example, Philip William Otterbein, the principal founder
of the United Brethren in Christ, assisted in the ordination of Francis Asbury to the superintendency of American Methodist work. Jacob Albright,
through whose religious experience and leadership the Evangelical Association was begun, was nurtured in a Methodist class meeting following his
conversion.
Read more about the history of The United Methodist Church by year:
Roots, 1736–1816 >
The United Methodist Church shares a common history and heritage with other Methodist and Wesleyan bodies. The lives and ministries of John
Wesley (1703–1791) and of his brother, Charles (1707–1788), mark the origin of their common roots.
The Churches Grow, 1817–1843 >
The Second Great Awakening was the dominant religious development among Protestants in America in the first half of the nineteenth century. Through
revivals and camp meetings sinners were brought to an experience of conversion. Circuit riding preachers and lay pastors knit them into a connection.
The Slavery Question and Civil War, 1844–1865 >
John Wesley was an ardent opponent of slavery. Many of the leaders of early American Methodism shared his hatred for this form of human bondage.
The United Brethren in Christ took a strong stand against slavery, as church members could not sell a slave, and by 1837 ruled that slave owners could
not continue as members. As the nineteenth century progressed, it became apparent that tensions were deepening in Methodism over the slavery
question.
Reconstruction, Prosperity, and New Issues, 1866–1913 >
The Civil War dealt an especially harsh blow to The Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Its membership fell to two-thirds its pre-war strength. Many of
its churches lay in ruins or were seriously damaged.
World War and More Change, 1914–1939 >
In the years immediately prior to World War I, there was much sympathy in the churches for negotiation and arbitration as visible alternatives to
international armed conflict. Many church members and clergy openly professed pacifism.
Movement Toward Union, 1940–1967 >
Although Methodists, Evangelicals, and United Brethren each had published strong statements condemning war and advocating peaceful reconciliation
among the nations, the strength of their positions was largely lost with American involvement in the hostilities of World War II.
Developments and Changes Since 1968 >
When The United Methodist Church was created in 1968, it had approximately 11 million members, making it one of the largest Protestant churches in
the world.
On April 23, 1968, The United Methodist Church was created when Bishop Reuben H. Mueller, representing The Evangelical United Brethren Church,
and Bishop Lloyd C. Wicke of The Methodist Church joined hands at the constituting General Conference in Dallas, Texas. With the words, "Lord of the
Church, we are united in Thee, in Thy Church and now in The United Methodist Church," the new denomination was given birth by two churches that had
distinguished histories and influential ministries in various parts of the world.
Theological traditions steeped in the Protestant Reformation and Wesleyanism, similar ecclesiastical structures, and relationships that dated back
almost two hundred years facilitated the union. In the Evangelical United Brethren heritage, for example, Philip William Otterbein, the principal founder
of the United Brethren in Christ, assisted in the ordination of Francis Asbury to the superintendency of American Methodist work. Jacob Albright,
through whose religious experience and leadership the Evangelical Association was begun, was nurtured in a Methodist class meeting following his
conversion.
Read more about the history of The United Methodist Church by year:
Roots, 1736–1816 >
The United Methodist Church shares a common history and heritage with other Methodist and Wesleyan bodies. The lives and ministries of John
Wesley (1703–1791) and of his brother, Charles (1707–1788), mark the origin of their common roots.
The Churches Grow, 1817–1843 >
The Second Great Awakening was the dominant religious development among Protestants in America in the first half of the nineteenth century. Through
revivals and camp meetings sinners were brought to an experience of conversion. Circuit riding preachers and lay pastors knit them into a connection.
The Slavery Question and Civil War, 1844–1865 >
John Wesley was an ardent opponent of slavery. Many of the leaders of early American Methodism shared his hatred for this form of human bondage.
The United Brethren in Christ took a strong stand against slavery, as church members could not sell a slave, and by 1837 ruled that slave owners could
not continue as members. As the nineteenth century progressed, it became apparent that tensions were deepening in Methodism over the slavery
question.
Reconstruction, Prosperity, and New Issues, 1866–1913 >
The Civil War dealt an especially harsh blow to The Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Its membership fell to two-thirds its pre-war strength. Many of
its churches lay in ruins or were seriously damaged.
World War and More Change, 1914–1939 >
In the years immediately prior to World War I, there was much sympathy in the churches for negotiation and arbitration as visible alternatives to
international armed conflict. Many church members and clergy openly professed pacifism.
Movement Toward Union, 1940–1967 >
Although Methodists, Evangelicals, and United Brethren each had published strong statements condemning war and advocating peaceful reconciliation
among the nations, the strength of their positions was largely lost with American involvement in the hostilities of World War II.
Developments and Changes Since 1968 >
When The United Methodist Church was created in 1968, it had approximately 11 million members, making it one of the largest Protestant churches in
the world.
Mt. Hope United Methodist Church
| Charles Wesley (1707-1788) |
Mount Hope United Methodist Church History
The Mount Hope Church had its beginning in the “Hays Schoolhouse in District No. 1, Aubbeenaubbee Township, Fulton County, Indiana.
This schoolhouse was located just across the road southeast of the church in the corner of what was then known as the Slonaker Farm. Only a
dense growth of underbrush and trees now marks the place where the old Hays Schoolhouse and play yard was located, for the building burned in
1925.
Many fond memories linger on from this old schoolhouse – not only does it mark the beginning of Mount Hope Church history but the scene of
many of the church’s activities in later years. The popular box socials – made festive with the glow of kerosene lights; ice cream suppers held in its
yard lighted with kerosene lanterns on wires strung from tree to tree. Not only were these a part of the social activities of the times but served to
supplement the church’s finances.
It was on April 29, 1877 that (quote from first record) “pupils met according to previous arrangements for the purpose of organizing a sabbath
school.” The second chapter of Mark was read and prayer was given by Rev. M. P. Meredith. Then they proceeded to organize, M. P. Meredith was
elected superintendent; Martin Sturgeon, assistant superintendent; Isaac Sturgeon, secretary; and Woodberry Hay, treasurer, Classes were formed
and teachers elected as follows:
First Female Class – Jennie Sturgeon
Second Female Class – Em Meredith
First Male Class – Isaac Sturgeon
Second Male Class – Alice Sturgeon
More to come at a later date
The Mount Hope Church had its beginning in the “Hays Schoolhouse in District No. 1, Aubbeenaubbee Township, Fulton County, Indiana.
This schoolhouse was located just across the road southeast of the church in the corner of what was then known as the Slonaker Farm. Only a
dense growth of underbrush and trees now marks the place where the old Hays Schoolhouse and play yard was located, for the building burned in
1925.
Many fond memories linger on from this old schoolhouse – not only does it mark the beginning of Mount Hope Church history but the scene of
many of the church’s activities in later years. The popular box socials – made festive with the glow of kerosene lights; ice cream suppers held in its
yard lighted with kerosene lanterns on wires strung from tree to tree. Not only were these a part of the social activities of the times but served to
supplement the church’s finances.
It was on April 29, 1877 that (quote from first record) “pupils met according to previous arrangements for the purpose of organizing a sabbath
school.” The second chapter of Mark was read and prayer was given by Rev. M. P. Meredith. Then they proceeded to organize, M. P. Meredith was
elected superintendent; Martin Sturgeon, assistant superintendent; Isaac Sturgeon, secretary; and Woodberry Hay, treasurer, Classes were formed
and teachers elected as follows:
First Female Class – Jennie Sturgeon
Second Female Class – Em Meredith
First Male Class – Isaac Sturgeon
Second Male Class – Alice Sturgeon
More to come at a later date
Our Mission statement
Mt. Hope United Methodist Church is a fellowship of believers that reaches out to the community. We love God, study the Bible and want to spread the word of
Jesus’ great love for us.
At Sunday School on Sunday mornings we study the word of God and apply it to our lives. During the worship service, we praise God and thank him for our
many blessings. During the week, we seek to spread the love of Jesus to those we meet.
Some of our activities include Vacation Bible School, Cluster Youth activities, and giving food baskets and support to people in our community.
We pray for God’s guidance and for God’s blessing for those who are
seeking help. We serve a wonderful God and want everyone to know of His love for us.
Mt. Hope United Methodist Church is a fellowship of believers that reaches out to the community. We love God, study the Bible and want to spread the word of
Jesus’ great love for us.
At Sunday School on Sunday mornings we study the word of God and apply it to our lives. During the worship service, we praise God and thank him for our
many blessings. During the week, we seek to spread the love of Jesus to those we meet.
Some of our activities include Vacation Bible School, Cluster Youth activities, and giving food baskets and support to people in our community.
We pray for God’s guidance and for God’s blessing for those who are
seeking help. We serve a wonderful God and want everyone to know of His love for us.