On March 19, 2022, New Hope Presbyterian Church and St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church celebrated their pending merger with a worship service and fundraising reception. During the reception, people wrote messages of love and encouragement on the unfinished walls and floor of the sanctuary. The fundraising event was exciting and encouraging as monies raised exceeded the goal that was set. The sanctuary should be completed by Easter 2022. Artifacts from St. Paul’s church and history will be enfolded into the modern architecture that will be New Hope Presbyterian Church.
Reconstruction of the administration building, kitchen and music hall was completed in the spring of 2021. These buildings are used for weekly community food distribution, string lessons for children in the community, activities for youth, and meetings for the church’s varied ministries and also by local non-profits.
The churches’ agreement honors St. Paul’s legacy of worship as it dissolves its congregation in order to join New Hope. The relationship between these two diverse churches has been transformative. They have worked together to redevelop the property, build relationships, and share in mission and service.
