Hopewell Church in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina

By Kerin

The Hendersons lived, farmed, and attended church in the Hopewell community of Mecklenburg County, then about 10 miles northwest of Charlotte. Hopewell Presbyterian Church was officially organized in 1762, but had been meeting in private homes for more than a decade. A log structure was built in 1765 for church services. In 1831–1833, a new brick building was erected, and it still stands today as the main part of the church.

When the new church was built, parts of the old wooden church were used to build a structure on the pastor’s farm, about two miles away. It was in this building that the pastor’s wife, Sarah Williamson, started the Hopewell Female Academy. Isabella Elizabeth Henderson embroidered her now-very-important family sampler at this school, carefully noting her teacher's name along with the names of her family members."

Since then, Hopewell Presbyterian Church has been remodeled and enlarged, and new buildings have been added. The church is thriving with a vibrant congregation, youth programs, and activities. As one of the oldest churches in the region, it is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Hopewell Presbyterian Church stands today at 10500 Beatties Ford Rd., Huntersville, NC 28078, now within the growing northern suburbs of Charlotte. The road perpendicular to the church bears a familiar name: Sample Road. Isabella's mother was Ann Sample.

Sources:
Morrill, Dan, “Hopewell Presbyterian Church History,” 1987. http://www.hopewellpresbyterian.com/indexNewLook2011d.php?n=2011NewLook/OurAncestors/campushistory&t=0&ph=History

Hopewell Presbyterian Church, “Campus History.” http://www.hopewellpresbyterian.com/indexNewLook2011d.php?n=2011NewLook/OurAncestors/campushistory&t=0&ph=History