Hopeful Church rededication set for May 2
It’s been a long time coming, but historic Hopeful Church and cemetery in northwest Fayette County will be rededicated next month. Although early records do not exist, Hopeful Church is thought to have been organized in 1825, just after the formation of the county in 1821. It is said to be one of the first five churches organized in Fayette County.
The church and cemetery are located at Ga. Highway 92 North and New Hope Road.
The rededication ceremony is set for Saturday, May 2, at 11 a.m. The community, government officials and dignitaries have been invited. Everyone is welcome. Revolutionary and Civil War re-enactors are scheduled to participate.
Restoration and cleanup started a early last year when a group of volunteers organized and began clearing the land, which at that time was almost unrecognizable as the old Hopeful Cemetery. Volunteers were amazed as they uncovered dates on some of the gravestones — dates that were from the very early days of Fayette County. These were graves of Fayette pioneers — veterans of the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and World Wars I and II. Last spring, to further locate graves, a Ground Penetrating Radar System (GPRS) was used.
As a recent part of the restoration, the church got a new hand-split shake roof installed by Ellison Roofing. More than 100 years have passed since the last wood shingle roof was seen on the church.
Below, workers from Ellison Roofing put the finishing touches on the new hand-split shake roof for historic Hopeful Church in northwestern Fayette County. Rededication of the church and cemetery is planned for May 2. Photos/James Breest Photography.
The church itself sits on large, hand hewn beams. It is described by volunteers as an impressive architectural, single room, 1,100 square foot structure.
Restoration has been a long haul for the nonprofit, all volunteer Hopeful Community group but their efforts are nearing completion. The entire community is invited to view the reclaimed cemetery and church on May 2.
— Written by Judy Kilgore, Church editor (jodiek444@aol.com)
