Kirking Service

Hopewell Presbyterian Church, Historic Downtown Dandridge, Tennessee

A traditional Scottish Kirking will be conducted at the Historic Hopewell Presbyterian Church (est. 1785)

11:00 A.M., Sunday, Sept. 27, 2009

More information will be added to this page soon regarding the program and items of interest.

A Brief Hopewell History

Dandridge was first settled by European immigrants, predominantly Scots-Irish, in 1783, due to its proximity to the French Broad River and because it also had a fine fresh water spring, with ready access to clean, clear and cool water year around.  In 1785 Hopewell Presbyterian Church was organized (before the State of Tennessee was chartered) in the then State of Franklin.

Hopewell members and ministers have held prominent positions of leadership and responsibility in Dandridge and Jefferson County ever since, unto the present day.  Hopewell closed her doors during the War Between the States, as this region was of very mixed loyalties to the Union and Confederacy.  This "brother vs. brother" tragic conflict affected all nationwide with hard feelings advanced by the hatred war inevitably causes.

After reopening her doors for worship again, Hopewell's membership roll characterized each family as "L" for loyalist or "R" for rebel. Southern sympathizers were only gradually allowed back into full communicant membership under the pastorate of Rev. William Harris Lyle, as Hopewell had been part of the northern stream of the National Presbyterian denomination under the auspices of Union Presbytery.

Hopewell has always been a mission and education oriented Church.  Thankfully, the original Scots-Irish settlers brought their Calvinistic Presbyterian Reformed protestant faith and work ethic with them.

For Example, Hopewell spearheaded the building of Bethel Presbyterian Church to serve the sacred and educational needs of newly freed black men and women in 1868.  Our church has always supported in covenant agreements local and regional Presbyterian institutions such as Maryville, Tusculum and Knoxville Colleges.

As with any living institution of our Lord Jesus Christ in the world, Hopewell's fortunes have waxed and waned over the years.  Today we wind ourselves in God's good grace in a period of unprecedented growth and activity.  The history othat really counts for is is the history WE together are making today -- as we continue in the 223 year old tradition of work, worship and witness for our Lord in this place at this time.  We will continue to be a beacon of the Light of God's love on this hill enabled by His divine providential grace, in Jesus Christ.

Hopewell Presbyterian Church

Dandridge, Tennessee

Pastor: Mark Knisley

Elders:  Mitzi Donahoo, Soe Akridge, Alex Taylor, John Manney, Hettie Manting, Crawford Turner

Trustees:  Bill Isaacs, Kim LeClercqq, Jerry Watkins

Treasurers:  David Cool & Jewel Rankin