Montpelier in Hanover County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Reuben Ford and Hopeful Baptist Church
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, April 6, 2012
1. Reuben Ford and Hopeful Baptist Church Marker
Hopeful Meeting House began services under the ministry of Baptist pastor Reuben Ford in 1807. Ford played an important role in the post-Revolutionary struggle for religious freedom. In the 1780s, he lobbied the Virginia General Assembly on behalf of Virginia's Baptists, opposing the incorporation of the Episcopal Church and state support for “teachers of the Christian Religion.” Ford though his leadership resolved doctrinal controversies and promoted Baptist churches as patriotic alternatives to the Episcopal Church. In July 1843, John Hope deeded five acres of land for the present sanctuary, dedicated on 21 May 1845. Enslaved African Americans made the bricks from nearby clay.Erected 2007 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number EA-7.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 21, 1845.
Location. 37° 48.167′ N, 77° 45.79′ W. Marker is in Montpelier
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Sycamore Tavern (approx. 4.4 miles away); Virginia's Center of Population (approx. 6.6 miles away); Shady Grove (Rosenwald) School (approx. 6.9 miles away); Cedar Creek Quaker Meeting House (approx. 7˝ miles away); Reuben Ford (approx. 7.6 miles away); Providence Church (approx. 7.9 miles away); Beaverdam Episcopal Church (approx. 9.1 miles away); Scotchtown (approx. 9.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Montpelier.
Also see . . . Hopeful Baptist Church. (Submitted on April 7, 2012, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.)
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, April 6, 2012
2. Hopeful Baptist Church
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, April 6, 2012
3. Hopeful Baptist Church Veterans
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, April 6, 2012
4. Hopeful Baptist Church Veterans WWII
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, April 6, 2012
5. Hopeful Baptist Church
Organized 1807 Sanctuary built 1844
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on April 7, 2012, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 755 times since then and 56 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on April 7, 2012, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.
