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. (1998)

Hopewell Baptist Church is a historical marker in Tyler, Smith County, dedicated in 1997. It is one of 90 historical markers documented in Smith County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 272 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 32.4555, -95.3606 near Tyler. The nearest cataloged historic site is Hopewell Cemetery #3 (cemetery), about 0.1 miles away. Others within a short drive include Hopewell #2, Jackson Family, and Milburn-Gary House.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5423012194. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.