New Hope Church of Christ was planted in 1852, and for over 170 years has stood firm in the Readyville community. For the first 37 years the New Hope Church met at Culpepper on Locke's Creek Road. Lewis Jetton donated the land for the Church to use and Graham Brandon built the house the Church first met in. Those two men plus Jesse Carter, Alex McBroom and others whose names are unavailable helped to began what is known today as the New Hope Church of Christ. From 1858-1860, Jesse Sewell preached and was a great encourager to the brethren in the beginning stages.     

 

Around 1889, a new Church building was erected about one mile from the Readyville community on U.S. Highway 70, currently known as Murfreesboro Road. A short time later, 6 classrooms were added. F.B. Srygley preached the first sermon in the new building.

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    In 1962, a minister's home was built and in 1966 a baptistery was installed and a basement with 6 more classrooms was added. Another addition in 1975 was completed consisting of a minister's study, library, rest rooms and nursery. A fellowship room was added to the west side of the building in 1985. In 1988, adjoining property was purchased for future growth and in June of 1999 construction of the new building began. On June 25, 2000, the first service was held in the current building with Howard Knox Jr. preaching at that service.

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Many of the best known gospel preachers have preached at New Hope. In January of 1963, David Gaylor became the first full time minister for the New Hope Church. In 1965 Lemuel Underhill took over the work at the New Hope, Neal Roberts followed Lemuel Underhill who left and came back a few years later. In 1972, Jerry Whitworth preached for the New Hope Church until 1976 when Howard Knox Jr. came in October of that year. Howard Knox Jr. faithfully served the congregation until his retirement in April, 2011. Current minister, Ralph Richardson came to New Hope in July, 2011.

 

The New Hope Church has been blessed to have some great men lead this congregation.  Our current eldership consist of Lannie Lester, Paul Alexander, and Tony Brown.

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The New Hope Church of Christ has always been a strong congregation with great emphasis placed upon teaching God's word, edifying each other and assisting with benevolent work. The New Hope Church has also continued to support those in the mission fields both locally and those serving in foreign lands.

 

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