Our History
In 1880, a small group of dedicated persons began to hold religious services in the home of Mrs. Francis Terry on Brown Street. Many African-America stalwarts of the community attended these services. This was the beginning of the first African-American Church in the city of Anderson. As the group began to increase, additional space was needed. First United Methodist Church, then located at the corner of 11th and Meridian Streets, permitted the small group to use their facilities. It was here the congregation was duly named Second Methodist Church. After formal organization, the church purchased a building formerly used as a schoolhouse, located on Delaware Street between 11th and 12th Streets. In 1892, the building was enlarged and brick veneered under the pastorate of Rev. E. R. Lewis. In 1925, under the leadership of Rev. J.C. memories, the congregation purchased the Grace Methodist Church building. This was an ideal location, centered in what was then the heart of the Black Community. Forty pastors have served this congregation in its 119-year history. Each of them has brought something special to the life of this great congregation. However, a new era in the life of the church began in 1968 when the General Conference abolished the Central Jurisdiction and the church was assigned to the Muncie District in the North Indiana Conference. ON November 9, 1967, the City of Anderson purchased the church building and parsonage located on West 14th Street for $15,000. This money was used as a down payment on the Goodwin Memorial Nazarene Church and parsonage located at 15th and Louise Streets. The church experienced great growth fro 1967 through 1982, under the leadership of the Rev. M.L.Brooks. In 1997 the Rev. R.E. Lee received appointment as Pastor of New Hope United Methodist church. The church is now headed into a bold new direction for the 21st Century under Pastor Lee's leadership.