LAUREL HILL — While their sister church, Christian Home United Methodist, has closed its doors after 95 years, members of Hopewell United Methodist Church are preparing to celebrate their 120th Homecoming this Sunday.
A guest pastor and historical impersonator from near Troy, Ala., will recreate the church's earliest days dressed as the Rev. Sam Jones, a circuit-preacher typical of those who served rural North Okaloosa County and South Alabama churches.
"He'll preach a circuit-rider sermon," Hopewell member and Laurel Hill resident Janet Twitty said. "He's big into Methodist history and Wesley characters and historic figures."
The original frame church, chartered in 1894, was lost in a 1916 storm and was rebuilt across the road in its present location just over the state line from Laurel Hill.
An extensive 1944 remodeling featured plaster wallboard and a new roof with asbestos shingles. Electricity was added in 1949, and three Sunday school rooms were built on in 1956.
"In 1980, the pews, altar railing and table were refinished, to the relief of many who stuck to the seats during hot weather," the church's late historian, Martha Rogers, wrote in a 2010 history.
Church members Early Belcher and Walter Williams hand-crafted the pews, pulpit and altar railing.
"The furnishings in the sanctuary have special meaning for the members of the church," Rogers wrote in her history.
A wall air-conditioning unit was installed in 1993, and ceiling fans, along with a new piano, were added a year later. The roof was replaced in 1995 following damage from Hurricane Opal.
Worship will be followed by dinner on the grounds catered by the Laurel Hill Grill.
"We're going to pitch a tent and welcome everybody to eat," Twitty said.
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WANT TO GO?
WHAT: Hopewell United Methodist Church 120th Homecoming
WHEN: 11 a.m. May 3
WHERE: 987 Gomillion Road Florala, Ala. (New Ebenezer Road, Laurel Hill, becomes Gomillion Road when it crosses the state line, 5 miles west of State Road 85)
NOTES: The celebration includes a covered dish dinner on the grounds following worship. Information: Janet Twitty, 652-4474.
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Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Hopewell UMC celebrates 120th Homecoming on Sunday