New Hope in Henderson County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
New Hope United Methodist Church
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, September 7, 2026
1. New Hope United Methodist Church Marker
Located south of Brownsboro in the community known as New Hope, the New Hope United Methodist Church began as a small gathering in a combination school and church building. Church records began in 1884, but services likely date to the 1860s, when several pioneer families moved to Vale Springs from the Friendship Community.
In 1889, members moved their church to land donated by James Thomas Jackson and his wife, Mariah "Aunt Click" Jackson. The church and school building was moved to a hill until a new frame building could be erected. While located on New Hope Hill the church was renamed New Hope Methodist Episcopal Church, South. In 1893, the church established New Hope Cemetery when church members' children contracted typhoid fever. As a small, rural church, Sunday services were limited to once a month. Each summer, members would walk for miles to attend the church's revival events held under brush arbors.
In 1918, the Reverend B.C. Ansley and his wife, Nannie, donated land for the church. While they prepared to build a new church, members worshipped in a tomato shed on the property. A red brick
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With an active youth group and activities, community gardens and outreach, and involvement in national and state relief efforts, the church congregation has maintained a bond through the generations. Still on the circuit system, the New Hope United Methodist Church continues its mission of faith and service, significantly impacting the New Hope Community.
Erected 2019 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 22442.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1884.
Location. 32° 15.043′ N, 95° 35.799′ W. Marker is in New Hope, Texas, in Henderson County. It is at the intersection of Farm to Market Road 314 and County Road 3607, on the left when traveling north on Road 314. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 7943 FM 314 N, Brownsboro TX 75756, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American South and in the Piney Woods. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, September 7, 2026
2. New Hope United Methodist Church and marker
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The Antioch Rosenwald School (approx. 2.2 miles away); Echols Cemetery on Jennings Mountain (approx. 2.2 miles away); Brownsboro Norwegian Lutheran Cemetery (approx. 3.7 miles away); Site of Old Normandy (approx. 3.7 miles away); Leagueville Baptist Church (approx. 3.7 miles away); Leagueville Cemetery (approx. 3.7 miles away); Rock Hill Cemetery (approx. 4.4 miles away); Evans Chapel Cemetery (approx. 5.8 miles away).
Credits. This page was last revised on September 12, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 9, 2026, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 7 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 9, 2026, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
