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Hopewell To Unveil Its History In Print

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By JAN HOLLINGSWORTH

The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 7, 2008

HOPEWELL - Each year for the past 27, descendants of the founders of this community near Plant City have gathered to break bread and take care of the business of maintaining the cemetery where many of their relations are buried.

This year's annual meeting of The Hopewell Church Old Cemetery Inc. promises to be a most auspicious occasion as the event is expected to showcase the unveiling of a long-awaited book on the history of the community.

"The Pioneers of Hopewell," a 400-page tribute to the hardy souls who tamed the wild land south of what is now State Road 60, will be on sale at the gathering for $14.

"It has lots and lots of historical pictures," said Lynda Fuller, who worked on "Pioneers" with many other members of the community.

The book was inspired by Isabel Preacher, a longtime area educator who served as the organization's first secretary when it was founded in 1981.

Preacher, a history teacher at Turkey Creek when it was a high school, regaled her niece, Helen West, with stories of the community's roots and encouraged her to research the story of Hopewell.

"Of course, Helen took this on as a project with vengeance," Fuller said.

However, West died in 2005 before completing the book. Preacher, who died two years later at the age of 96, also didn't live to see it reach fruition.

Led by Fuller, the work was completed by a group that calls itself The Pioneers of Hopewell Historical Committee.

"Everybody has put in 110 percent on this book," she said.

The annual meeting, where officers are elected, doubles as a picnic and fundraiser for the cemetery's perpetual care fund, said Martha Durrance, the secretary of The Hopewell Church Old Cemetery.

It generally draws 40 to 60 people, some of whom return to Hopewell from other places.

"The board members will provide the meat, drinks and utensils, and everyone brings a covered dish," Durrance said.

The meeting is set for noon May 17 in the new fellowship hall at Hopewell Baptist Church, 6001 State Road 39 South.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Annual meeting-picnic of The Hopewell Church Old Cemetery Inc.

WHERE: Hopewell Baptist Church, 6001 State Road 39 South

WHEN: Noon May 17

INFORMATION: (813) 754-4591 or (813) 763-4739

Reporter Jan Hollingsworth can be reached at (813) 865-4436 or jhollingworth@tampatrib.com.

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