hope

The Hope United Methodist Church has a long and proud history of service to Christ and His people in Canal Winchester. It was first started as a United Brethren Class in 1815, by Ludwig Kramer, known as the Kramer Class. It met in his home and a log school house. Shortly thereafter, Mr. Kramer added a large frame room onto his residence for meeting purposes. When Kramer subsequently sold his house to Sam Dietz, he reserved the room for the church's use. When the services became too evangelical (noisy) Dietz bought out the meeting room. Some of our current members are the descendants of the founders of our church and town.

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In 1833, a frame meeting house was erected on East Columbus Street. This was the first of three structures built on the present site and was shared with the Methodist Episcopal Church (Faith) from 1838-50. In 1851, a brick building replaced the frame one. Then, in 1887, the present structure was erected using much of the bricks, floor, and joists of the old building. The Fellowship Hall and kitchen were added in 1952 and the educational annex in 1960.

Not only is Hope Church the first church organized in Canal Winchester, it also has claim to several other firsts: Sunday School in Canal Winchester (1833); Church bell in the community (1846); organ in the United Brethren Conference (1865); Children's Day in the denomination (1879).

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Hope Church is close to a major city, surrounded by farmland quickly being developed. The village attracts families drawn by good schools and village atmosphere and therefore has attracted a more diverse culture.

Although Hope Church is land locked and off the beaten path, it has always been proud to be the best little church in Canal Winchester. Statistics tell us that our size is average for UMC denominations.

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In 2003 the Choir and drama group offered a Bicentennial program that was so exciting that folks could hardly remain in their pews. Hope Church has hosted community events such as Meet the Mayor candidates and the annual Trash and Treasure Sale is not only a wonderful fund raiser for the church, it serves the needs of the community with it two day sale in October.

Reverend Dennis Dinger was the 85th pastor to serve at Hope Church and broke tradition of the United Methodist Church when he was appointed to Hope Church for second term after a nine year interval. Every Sunday morning that Hope Church opens the doors is an opportunity for Glory.