A vibrant tapestry of faith. That’s Hope United Methodist Church. It’s a story woven from threads of community. Its roots stretch back to 1844. However its official organization as Southfield Methodist Episcopal Church began in 1852.
Hope United Methodist Church wasn’t always Hope. It began as Southfield Methodist Episcopal Church. Then on October 6 1853 it incorporated as a Methodist Society. The congregation grew. In 1946 they purchased land to build a new church. A building fund drive in 1958 fueled their ambition. Finally in 1961 the new building opened.
Years passed. Then in 1975 something remarkable happened. Southfield United Methodist Church and St Mark’s United Methodist Church merged. This union birthed Hope United Methodist Church. A new chapter began. A new name. A new spirit. This wasn’t just a merger. It was a testament to unity.
Rev Dr Carlyle F Stewart III became pastor in 1983. He led the predominantly white congregation. Under his leadership the church experienced unprecedented growth. Soon they outgrew their current building. In 1994 Hope moved to its present location. Its growth was explosive. A second worship service was added in 1993. A children’s service called Jesus Junction began in 1997. The church also created R.O.C.K. Radicals on Course for the Kingdom. It was a youth worship service. Even liturgical dance was revived in 1999.
The church continued to expand. A state-of-the-art gymnasium was built in 2003. So was a new education wing and an administrative wing. Growth continued under Rev Cornelius Davis. Then Rev Dr B Kevin Smalls became pastor in 2015. He introduced innovative Bible studies. He also enhanced youth programs and upgraded technology.
Today Hope United Methodist Church stands as a testament to its enduring faith. It stands as a beacon of love and community support. Its mission is to invite people to experience a community inspired by Jesus’ love. A community that embraces diversity. A community that thrives on unity. A community that has built a rich and inspiring history. This is Hope United Methodist Church. A vibrant tapestry of faith.