Hopewell Baptist Church was first organized in 1885. Thirteen years later in 1898, land was purchased for the Church. The Church Trustees(J. E. Phillips, S. P. Jackson & A. H. Harrison) purchased the land from W. A. Stroud for $5.00. The building was constructed of sawed logs and appraised for about $30.00. The first Pastor was Rev. Joe Oliver. The congregation was made up of five members. Prior to the organizing of Hopewell, members worshipped with Galilee Baptist Church of Plain Dealing, LA. Hopewell’s organization was not the result of a divided church but was a need for a place to worship closer to where the members lived.

Through the years, God blessed Hopewell with other Inspired leaders. Pastors that served through the years are the Reverends: I. S. Whitaker, J. E. Phillips, S. T. James, Armestead Harris, John Lenard, R. A. Stroud, D. L. Hardman, Y. V. Clay, John G. Goodman, W. T. Hayes, W. J. Coleman, J. C. Goines, L. R. Dotson, J. P. Anderson, Joe T. Hardman and our present pastor, Rev. Terry B. Ivy. Under the leadership of these pastors the church grew and many new members were added.

In the past Hopewell served as a training program for young ministers. The fourth Sunday of each month was set aside for that mission. Some of the ministers that trained here have gone on to become pastor’s at other churches. They are: Reverends C. Byrd, Sr., John Maples, C. W. Murphy, John Harris,I. John Harris, II., John Harris, III., Charles Ford, Melvin Jones, Ronald McDaniel, Terry Ivy, Greg Otis, Harry Malone, Albert Tuiel and Reggie Lars. The training program was a step toward spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Several of the pastors made a great impact on the modernization of the church building and the old school house. Pastor L. R. Dotson direction: the old school house was converted into a dining hall and is now the John G. Goodman Fellowship Hall. The church porch was remodeled to make it handicapped accessible. New pews were purchased and carpet installed. A concrete parking lot and driveway were created and new side doors were installed. Choir robes were also purchased. Pastor Joe T. Hardman direction: yielded furniture for the Pastor’s study along with removable handicapped ramps for the inside of the church. New heating and air units were installed and new tables and chairs were bought for the fellowship hall.

Under the directions of our current pastor: the pastor’s study has been remodeled and new furniture purchased; the front doors, steps and porch have been stained; new signs for the usher’s post as well as usher jackets have been acquired.; the church has been remodeled with a new ceiling, updated lighting and paint for the pulpit rails; new carpet has been installed, beautification of the pulpit and communion table; and cordless mikes and new speakers. A new Fellowship Hall and Education Center has been built. Those are just a few changes under Pastor Ivy’s Leadership. Pastor Ivy has also initiated weekly bible study, supported the visitation of visits of our homebound, elders and members in the nursing home. Also, under his leadership, he encouraged a renewing of the church homecoming on the first Sunday in August 2012.

Over the past years, the church’s location, building and adjoining structures have changed. These changes took place because of the dedication of its member as well as numerous donations from former members who received spiritual guidance at Hopewell. Over the years, we have lost members who we remember and give thanks. It was and is through God’s grace and their perseverance that allow us to be here today.