The final service of the Good Hope Methodist Church was held Sunday, March 26, 2017.
The pastor, J. C. Bryant, welcomed and gave opening remarks to the 64 people attending the celebration of life of this 127-year-old church.
Rev. Vernon Kneir gave the opening prayer. Nancy Wujcik gave a brief history of the church based mostly on the church history compiled by Helen Sparkman Brandt. Glenda Phillips presented a review of the United Methodist Women's organization. Vivian Halcumb lit a candle for all those who had attended Good Hope.
The audience was then invited to share their memories of the church. Jerry Lawson recalled his wedding in the church some 52 years ago. Pat Leamon told of her river baptism by Rev. Vernon Kneir and the large number of youth in the church at that time. Stan Berry, likewise, recalled his baptism in Cane Creek by Rev. Kneir, plus fond memories of attending with his mother, Eldida Berry. Janet Gilmore then read a church eulogy followed by a closing prayer by Rev. Bryant.
The attendees then were dismissed to enjoy refreshments, view the historic items displayed in one classroom, and reminisce more. The church membership thanked everyone who came to celebrate the life of this century old church.
One attendee, James F. Tubb, was the descendant of the James F. Tubb, who started the Union Sunday School in 1861. The Sunday School banner and a copy of church history will be housed in the Poplar Bluff Museum. The original Church History books as well as membership rolls will be sent to the Methodist Archives in Fulton, Missouri.