Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church

Panola Co. Tx

The Panola Watchman   Wed 17 2003 

 Article by Tom Burkindine

Article                  Vestibule display

Message from past found in church

A local church received a surprise while doing construction  work on the floor of their church church's office. Now, the congregation has a link to the past displayed for future generations.

 The Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church was replacing the floorboards of their office last year when contractor Robert Earl Mason found several pieces notebook paper in a mason jar underneath the joist pier and beam. Mason read the letter and then gave it to Pastor David Proctor. Proctor said he didn't know what to make of the discovery when he first saw the tattered pieces of paper. 

 "Mr. Mason handed it to me and said, "I think you'd better read this,"  Proctor said. "I didn't know what it was."

 The three pieces of paper in the rusted mason jar were a transcribed message from the Church's congregation 75 years ago, including an inspirational prayer. Then Deacon Claude Cherry had written the letter, written on November 19, 1937, a message of the church's mission, and the hope that the mission, would be carried out for year's to come.

 Proctor presented the letter to the church that Wednesday evening and the  of the church that Wednesday evening and the congregation was so moved by the contents, they voted to display the discovery, for everyone to see.Proctor said he and the entire church were excited about the message from the past.

 "It just makes you stop and think, Proctor said." The whole church was elated."

 The congregation's opening message was one of hope, telling the future generation to continue holding up the church's teachings.  The letter led into a prayer, to be passed on to those who might find their gift:

We thank thee, Oh! God. For our Fathers and our fore fathers who struggled for thy cause and kingdom at this place. Grant Oh! Almighty God, that after we have passed on in to times eternity that our children and our children's children will continue press on with the cause and kingdom here at Old Hopewell. Teach us thy ways, oh! God and give us grace to walk them. Amen.

Grand House Custom Framing encased the jar and the sheets of paper in sealed wood and glass cases, which are now displayed in the vestibule of the fellowship hall.  Proctor said the discovery wouldn't have been possible if they had not renovated Hopewell's office.