Near Tyler in Smith County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Hopewell Baptist Church
Photographed By Randal B. Gilbert, December 26, 2015
1. Hopewell Baptist Church Marker
Inscription.
Hopewell Baptist Church. . In early 1857 the Rev. J. S. Bledsoe began preaching in a post oak grove near the Hopewell community. By 1858 the Hopewell Baptist Church was organized with 30 members and the Rev. J. S. Bledsoe as first pastor. Harvey Yarborough deeded 10 acres near his home to the church and in 1859 a structure was erected on the site. During Reconstruction, members sponsored ex-slaves in the formation of their own churches. In 1973 a new brick building was dedicated and in 1994 a modern educational building was erected. In 1998 the congregation marked its 140th year of continuous worship services.
In early 1857 the Rev. J. S. Bledsoe began preaching in a post oak grove near the Hopewell community. By 1858 the Hopewell Baptist Church was organized with 30 members and the Rev. J. S. Bledsoe as first pastor. Harvey Yarborough deeded 10 acres near his home to the church and in 1859 a structure was erected on the site. During Reconstruction, members sponsored ex-slaves in the formation of their own churches. In 1973 a new brick building was dedicated and in 1994 a modern educational building was erected. In 1998 the congregation marked its 140th year of continuous worship services.
Erected 1998 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 12194.)
Location. 32° 27.344′ N, 95° 21.641′ W. Marker is near Tyler, Texas, in Smith County. Marker is on County Road 494, 0.2 miles east of Jim Hogg Road (County Route 431), on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 11804 County Rd 494, Tyler TX 75706, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Milburn-Gary House (approx. 1.3 miles away); Damascus Baptist Church (approx. 4.1 miles away);
Photographed By Randal B. Gilbert, December 26, 2015
2. Hopewell Baptist Church
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on December 26, 2015, by Randal B. Gilbert of Tyler, Texas. This page has been viewed 533 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on December 26, 2015, by Randal B. Gilbert of Tyler, Texas. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
