Our Church History

New Hope United Methodist Church History Summary Today 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 fifty three 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 memories 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.O.Gordon. 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., Rev. Dr. Aubrey Thompson, Rev. Sharon Cooper, Rev. Robert “Bob” Lawrence and Rev. Malachi Alexander. Rev. Malachi Alexander is our current pastor and he was the youngest appointed on June 1, 2025 at the age of 22. New Hope United Methodist Church is governed by the North Georgia Conference.  Our presiding Bishop is Rev. Robin Dease and Rev. Rev. Dr. Julie Boone is our District Superintendent. We are part of the South West District. 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 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: renovations were made to our vestibule by Rev. E. F. Dabney; a handicap ramp was built by Bro. Hugh Brooks and land used for cemetery lots was donated by the Georgia Power Company.  We thank Almighty God for birthing the vision for organizing the Church Anniversary in the heart of Sister Hessie Gay and Sister Alice Beasley (for serving as historian).   Rev. Belinda McCastle served as our Assistant Pastor under Rev. Earl F. Dabney from 2002 to 2004 and in June 2004 she was appointed pastor of our church. Under 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 became an extension of the church property in October 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 started. Rev. Dr. Robert C. White was appointed Pastor of New Hope in June 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 was appointed Pastor to Friendship UMC in North Fayette.  Currently, she is the Pastor of Merrill Chapel UMC.  Also, under Rev. White's leadership the Youth Choir was dedicated and officially named the Nicole Askew Smith Youth Choir on October 21, 2012. A paper recycling program was started in 2013. Rev. Dr. Aubrey Thompson was appointed Pastor of New Hope in 2013. Rev. Thompson and the members continued the work of kingdom building projects.  Under his leadership and guidance combined with the planning and hard work of the Trustees, Land Development Committee & the members have cleared the land adjacent to the church and constructed the picnic area with picnic tables and barbeque pits.  The baseball/softball field was completed 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 added to the center as well (these additions were made possible by our Trustees, members and the United Methodist Women & the United Methodist Men auxiliaries.) In 2015 the Lodge Hall/Youth Center was completely 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-- new paint/new flooring were completed on the church. Rev. Sharon Cooper was appointed pastor on June 25, 2017.  Under her leadership we continued the work of the Lord and the uplift of God.  Even through one of the worst pandemics of our time, we continued to thrive under Rev. Cooper. We were one of the few churches in Fayette County that continued to be open during the pandemic (1st couple of months the minister and the media ministry recorded sermons on Saturdays and sent the sermon to the members, then we started in-house service every Sunday with attendance rising from 20 to a current average of 65 per Sunday.  To ensure all receive communion who wanted it, drive through communion was added after service in addition to the communion given during the First Sunday service.  For larger events such as Easter and Homecoming we had outdoor tent service.  Rev. Cooper initiated pampers, diapers, and baby wipes collection drives.  Rev. Cooper along with other ministries (Methodist Men, Methodist Women, Sunday School Class, the Youth and Young Adults and Vacation Bible school speared headed The Empty Stocking Fund, care packages and can goods for the homeless, meals for sick and shut in and Thanksgiving baskets for the elderly. We have continued the church’s participation and support in the Square Foot Ministry home building.     We purchased a church bus; replaced the church roof and paved the parking lot.  After the pandemic, Bible study, Sunday School and Children church was restarted.   God has truly blessed New Hope United Methodist Church these 153 years. For as it is, written, eyes not seen, nor ears heard, neither have it entered the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for New Hope United Methodist Church. “We Are Still Standing with the Help of the Lord”