Isle of Hope United Methodist Church History
The Isle of Hope Methodist Church was organized
December 18, 1851 on the mainland near the intersection of Skidaway and
Bethesda Road, but was later moved to the Island. The site on Parkersburg
Road was a gift of Dr. Stephen Dupon by deed dated June 29,1859. The edifice
was constructed from funds contributed by residents of the Island and the
citizens of Savannah. The church remains the same as it was built with
few exceptions. The straight-back pine pews are the original pews in the
church at its construction. .
During the War Between the States it was used as a hospital, ministering
to the injured soldiers. Among those were 33 young volunteers from Effingham
County who died and were buried in the Church yard.. A contingent of Sherman's
Army used the church as a camp during his occupancy of Savannah.
For 90 years of its existence the Church was a "Circuit"
and was served by a part-time pastor, who also had other churches. During
this time horses and buggies were tethered in the churchyard while services
were held.
With the development of the Island in 1950 a full-time pastor was
appointed. The Sanctuary was moved to its present location beside the road
in 1957. The present lamps were installed at that time and the building
painted.
In 1983 a major expansion of the sanctuary was initiated. The planned
expansion provided a vestibule and a new front porch, a vestibule between
the sanctuary and the Cramer Building in the rear, and extension of the
rear wall of the sanctuary 24 feet to allow for the addition of 9 pews.
The construction progressed to the point that all furnishings including
the original pews, the chancel rail, lights and furniture were removed
and stored. The reconstruction was well on its way to completion including
a new copper roof when on February 22, 1984 the structure BURNED to the
ground despite the heroic efforts of the Isle of Hope Fire Department and
the Southside Fire Department.
Plans for rebuilding were immediately begun and with contributions pouring
in from all over the state and with the generosity of the membership the present
structure was dedicated, free from debt, by Bishop L. Fitzgerald on February
10, 1985. The membership is now approximately 2,500.
Out of the ashes has come something beautiful for the Glory of God. After
more than a century the Isle of Hope United Methodist Church has become a symbol
of beauty and inspiration not only for the congregation but for the entire community.
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