Hopewell Church started without a church building. Services were conducted in various school houses of the neighborhood.

On November 10, 1866, a church organization was formed. The original members were: Andrew Baker, Thomas Jones, Samuel Jones and wife, John Williams and wife, William Williamson, Caroline Baker, Diana Baker and Sara Cox.

In 1867 a frame building was constructed at a cost of $1,200.00 and was named Hopewell Church (Missionary Baptist). Reverend Andrew Baker officiated as the minister and to him the church owed much of its prosperity and efficiency. A short biography follows of Reverend Baker as given in "History of Caldwell and Livingston counties."

Reverend Baker was one of the oldest and highly respected citizens of Caldwell county and did much toward the advancement of Christianity in this community. He was an honored pioneer of this part of Missouri. He was born in Virginia in 1797 as one of 8 children. His grandfather served as Captain and Chaplain in the Revolutionary War. Reverend Baker's father died at the early age of 33, leaving his widow and 8 children. Since Reverend Baker was the second child; much of the responsibility of providing for the family fell on him.

His education was very meager, but with self application and his intent study of books, he obtained much knowledge while still in Virginia. He united with the Baptist church and entered into the field of preaching. For years no man toiled harder to preach Christ than he.

His homestead of 400 acres in this township (New York) was tilled by other hands mainly due to his preaching, serving his people, and his Lord.

He was the father of 12 children, ten by his first wife, and two by a second. It was said no one left his presence without feeling they had been in communion with a man of God.

His death occurred on August 29, 1887; and at the reading of his will, it was found he had left $1,000.00 to Hopewell Church. This money was loaned from time to time, and the interest was used for church needs.

Other pioneers who helped in building the church and strengthening the organization were Samuel Jones and C. L. Gould. Mr. Gould was church clerk, and records show that some early members were excluded from the church roles and fellowship because of misconduct such as dancing, card playing and drinking, fighting, and failure to attend services or pay dues. This practice of excluding members was practiced until about 1910. From then on, no one was excluded until a committee had visited them to make sure the charge was true; and if so, if the parties were sorry for such sins and wished forgiveness. The earliest records show 50 scholars in Sunday School with Jacob Swindler as superintendent.

Hopewell was a member of the North Liberty Association. In January, 1866, Brother Thomas J. Puckett was called to preach for the church half time and was to be paid $300.00 per year for his services.

In January, 1888, the church building was damaged by fire and Mr. Gould recorded that they regarded the saving of the church as providential and desired to publicize it as such.

During the years 1880 to 1920, the following pastors served: James Stanford, Brother Cuthbertson, Brother Arnold, W. A. Clark, Brother Gooding, Brother David Evans, Edd Robinson, Brother Arnold recalled, Brother Cole, Brother Schwedler, C. H. Masten, Brother Raines, Brother Kennedy, Brother J. C. Turnage, Brother Arnold again, Brother Atterbury, and Brother Wheeler.

In 1902, a new association, Caldwell Ray, was formed and Hopewell became a member in 1904.

In 1907, the church was papered and painted and a new flue was built. This year also, Garnie Puckett was licensed to preach and dues of those under age was reduced to $25.00 per year. In 1909, new pews were purchased. The old seats were to be used to build a coal house. Also this year, a Ladies Aid Society was mentioned. Brother Gomer Diddle's name appears as treasurer in 1910.

In 1911, a walk was built and steps repaired. For the records, there was much urging to secure money needed for the Pastor's salary. Their salary was cut from $250.00 to $160.00 a year in 1914. Orva Frazier was elected church clerk, an office she held until the 1950's.

In 1920, Brother Arthur Crum was called as Pastor with a big boost in salary from $225.00 to $700.00 for half time preaching. In July, 1921, a door and window were put in the east end of the church.

In February, 1925, H. W. Anderson was called as Pastor with a salary of $480.00, but served only a few short months when he was asked to resign and Grant Jones was called. Brother Crum was called again as half time Pastor in 1929 and served until June of 1942. Brother Don Stanley was called for half time in September, 1943, and served until 1945 due to an illness. In October, 1945, Jack Stanton came to preach each Sunday afternoon. This was Hopewell's first full time preaching. It was during his ministry, the church began giving to missions, adopted the six point system in Sunday School, and many accepted the challenge of tithing.

In 1946, Brother Stanley returned to collage and was called as full time Pastor of Hopewell at $25.00 a Sunday.

In 1947, a new foundation was built under the church, two East doors were closed, and a double large door built in front, and a new floor was laid.

1948 found Hopewell having it's first Vacation Bible School. The church was papered. Venetian blinds and an oil heater were installed.

In 1949, the first gravel road was made by the church. Nathan Myers and Harold Ott were the next Pastors. In January, 1953, Marvin Hughes became the Pastor, and through his efforts, service and, an able leadership, Hopewell Church now had a full basement, four classrooms and a new look upstairs. The church was happy to have a part in ordaining this faithful servant, and it was with much regret that his resignation was accepted in August, 1954.

Brother Matlock was called, but served only six weeks. Brother Elton Mayes was then called, and a training union was started which has continued since that time. Brother Elton served two years (1955 and 1956). Brother Earl McElwee was called in 1957. The parsonage, a house formerly owned by Joe Estes, was moved from Shoal Creek to its present location.

Brother Fred Hyskell served in 1958, followed by Marlin Moody who served through 1959. A new gas stove was installed. Brother David Stevens came in 1960, and a new gas furnace was installed in the basement of the church. He served until 1963.

Brother Ovid Grantz served from 1963 to 1965. The church was painted inside. Brother Floyd Smith served from 1965 to 1967; L. E. Enloe 1967 to 1969; and Gary Pierson from 1969 to January, 1973. A new rug was installed in the parsonage. Pat Francis served as Pastor from January, 1973 to October 4, 1973. Allen Needham served from February, 1974, to November, 1975; Robert Menz spoke one time in April of 1976; Stan Gladden preached from April, 1976 to August 1977; Don Eldridge served as pastor from August, 1977, to August, 1980.

A new wood stove was installed in the parsonage. Brother Eldridge donated a piano and organ. New padded pews were installed and the floors were resurfaced and varnished. The woodwork was re finished and new drapes were added. New siding was put on and a vestibule added. Melvin Lowe served from 1981 to 1984.

A new rug was installed in the parsonage and a new speaker system installed in the church. Brother James Bickell was called to preach in 1984 and continues to serve as Pastor at this time. A new steeple has been added complete with church bell, and new siding will be added to the parsonage this fall.

Many people have placed their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ through the testimony of this church organization; and for this, we are grateful only to our Heavenly Father. Many families have enjoyed together the celebration and dedication of weddings and childbirths, fellowships and church programs, and shared in the sorrow at the loss of loved ones. The church remains the heart of the community.

(by Bill Frazier, reprinted from the History of Cowgill, Mo., 1887-1987)

(comment: I remember a famous Stallion called "Preacher Crum" in the 1930's, in fact we had a mare Roxie who had a colt named Sparkle from this Stallion. The Stallion was a "Thoroughbred Race Horse" - Lyndell Miller.)

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This page was last updated August 21, 2006.