The congregation of New Hope Methodist Church dates to 1837 and at that time included both white members and enslaved African American members from surrounding plantations. After the Civil War, the African American members purchased the church building and reorganized as an A.M.E. congregation. A new frame church was completed in 1910, and in the 20th century the congregation converted from an A.M.E. church and joined the United Methodist Church. Worship services have traditionally been held during 5th Sunday, when local ministers hold an “All Day Meeting.” During the 1960s, members of the community gathered as “Joshua’s Army” and marched from Loretta Bridge to New Hope. The current sanctuary was completed in the 1950s.