Hopewell Church and Cemetery
Winnsboro, Wood County, Texas
Marker Inscription
The Hopewell Primitive Baptist Church was established in 1855 and met in a brush arbor and log house. As membership increased, a larger church building was erected. In 1876 John R. Moore donated three acres of land for church and cemetery purposes. The first recorded burial was that of Henry Nixon in 1879. State Representative George Turner Hinson is also buried here, as are veterans of several wars. A new church was erected in 1947 and a fellowship hall was added in 1977. The church and cemetery continue to serve the community as they have more more than a century. (1997)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
The Hopewell Primitive Baptist congregation began in 1855, worshiping under a brush arbor and in a log house before growing into a proper church. In 1876 John R. Moore gave three acres for a church and cemetery, and burials began there in 1879. Alongside a state representative, veterans of several wars rest in its grounds, and the church has served the community for well over a century.
Why it matters
Rural churches and their cemeteries were the enduring civic anchors of frontier Texas, holding a community's faith, memory, and honored dead in one place.
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Related people
- Β· John R. Moore
- Β· George Turner Hinson
- Β· Henry Nixon
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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