The Friends of Hopewell Inc. Mission Statement
The mission of The Friends of Hopewell Inc. organization is to restore and preserve African American Heritage in San Jacinto County emphasizing its continued significance and contribution to the growth of the community.
About Us
The Friends of Hopewell Inc. was organized in February 1997. A few of the founding members of The Friends of Hopewell Inc. were requested by one of the oldest members, (at the time), of Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church to please do everything possible to “save” the Old Hopewell Building. Hopewell constructed a new building and plans were in place to burn down the old building. This member grew up in the church and was concerned that the only remaining structure in San Jacinto County, built during reconstruction by ex-slaves, (some of which were hers and others in this groups ancestors) was casually marked for demolition. This group who grew up in the Hopewell Church eagerly responded to this plea. They came together in 1997 and formed the non-profit, 501c-3 organization. “The Friends of Hopewell”. In working to compile information for application to the Texas Historical Commission to acquire grant funds to obtain the architectural service needed to begin restoration of the building, the historical significance of this building to the Coldspring Community was discovered. The Friends’ purpose expanded to include not only to preserve and restore the building but also to preserve and restore African American Heritage in San Jacinto County.
The historical significance of this building to the African American experience in San Jacinto County is priceless. For over a century, it served as the hub of the community, serving as a meeting place not only for worship, but also for dedications and celebrations. Unfortunate, unavoidable circumstances led to the tearing down of the old building but did not eradicate its significance to the San Jacinto County community.
The immediate focus of The Friends of Hopewell Inc. is to continue to move forward with construction of the replica of the 1910 structure. The building is currently named “The Hopewell Center of San Jacinto County.” The center will serve as the depository for African American Heritage in the San Jacinto County Community and a place to gather for education and social events as it retains its rich heritage as the place for nurturing the needs of the community and to improve the quality of life in San Jacinto County, The replicated building with its stained glassed windows which were recycled from the 1875 building that were incorporated into the 1910 building providing continuity with the past are preserved and ready for installation in the new replicated building to continue the replication, sustaining that continuity.
This completed building will provide a visual outlet to memorialize and to pay tribute to those early settlers who through adversity and strength, built a structure that provided the place to nurture many in their faith, tolerance, and love for their fellowman.
It will also serve as a reminder of the sacrifice of our dedicated ancestors whose hopes and aspirations, over one hundred years ago, were to build a facility that would be a central point for outreach to the community as it provided a place for worship, fellowship and social gatherings. Additionally ensuring the original features of the building that were declared “silent” will, once again, stand stoic and proud as a structural and historic legend in San Jacinto County.
The members and the friends of The Friends of Hopewell are striving to reciprocate the fervor, dedication, and commitment with which these forerunners worked to leave a legacy. The successful forward movement of this organization will foster an awareness in the minds of the present generation regarding the rich history of the building and of the importance of restoring and preserving the rich African American Heritage in San Jacinto County.