New for Sunday Sept 30th. 9:00 am
Hope Methodist Church Circuit Rider
The term “Circuit Rider” is a term that was never official but used by many protestant denominations. It was most prevalent in the Methodist Episcopal Church. These clergy were assigned by the presiding Elder to a geographical area called a “charge”. A charge was a group of Churches that the pastor would meet with regularly. It is possible that the pastor in his rounds of the circuit might take 5-6 weeks to return to a particular church all the time on horseback. The pastor was to preach everywhere they traveled. He was even required to setup new church communities as he traveled within his assigned circuit. The presiding Elder would only keep a pastor in a particular charge for two years and then move them around to another church. Circuit Riders were started in the Colonies prior to the Revolutionary War and were continued till around early 21st century. Hope Indiana was served by a circuit rider from 1854 till about 1888. One of the most prominent pastors that served the area of Hope was Rev. John Piatt Pell from 1875 to 1878. He served the areas of Paris, Vernon, Mt. Sterling, Hartsville, Milford, and Hope
While in the community the pastor would preach the Sunday sermon and meet with people in the community before traveling to the next community on his charge. He was also to provide spiritual care to all the members of a community including the service of funerals.
The Circuit Rider would arrive in town on horseback in time for the worship and greet the people. There would be time for hymns to be sung and guided in prayers. Then the pastor would expound in the Word of God of what needed to be shared with the people. He would then share the Love of Christ with all in the community. Lastly before leaving the pastor would instruct all the leaders in the church on how and what to educate the community on God’s word until the pastors return.
Hope Methodist Church Circuit Rider
The term “Circuit Rider” is a term that was never official but used by many protestant denominations. It was most prevalent in the Methodist Episcopal Church. These clergy were assigned by the presiding Elder to a geographical area called a “charge”. A charge was a group of Churches that the pastor would meet with regularly. It is possible that the pastor in his rounds of the circuit might take 5-6 weeks to return to a particular church all the time on horseback. The pastor was to preach everywhere they traveled. He was even required to setup new church communities as he traveled within his assigned circuit. The presiding Elder would only keep a pastor in a particular charge for two years and then move them around to another church. Circuit Riders were started in the Colonies prior to the Revolutionary War and were continued till around early 21st century. Hope Indiana was served by a circuit rider from 1854 till about 1888. One of the most prominent pastors that served the area of Hope was Rev. John Piatt Pell from 1875 to 1878. He served the areas of Paris, Vernon, Mt. Sterling, Hartsville, Milford, and Hope
While in the community the pastor would preach the Sunday sermon and meet with people in the community before traveling to the next community on his charge. He was also to provide spiritual care to all the members of a community including the service of funerals.
The Circuit Rider would arrive in town on horseback in time for the worship and greet the people. There would be time for hymns to be sung and guided in prayers. Then the pastor would expound in the Word of God of what needed to be shared with the people. He would then share the Love of Christ with all in the community. Lastly before leaving the pastor would instruct all the leaders in the church on how and what to educate the community on God’s word until the pastors return.
Returning by popular demand this year:
Horseshoe Tournament
Dr. Hope Medicine Show
Kiddie Pedal Tractor Pull
UTOPIA Wildlife Rehabilitators
New for 2018:
Baking contest
Hope Methodist Church Circuit Rider Service
GREETINGS from Hope, Indiana!
Hope Heritage Days is entering its 51ST year in 2018. Long considered the quintessential Hoosier Celebration, the event is Bartholomew County's largest and oldest multi-day festival.
During the last full weekend in September each and every year, the "Surprising Little Town" of Hope, Indiana swells from a population of around 2,200 people to upwards of 30,000. But don't worry, we'll take great care of you! Hoosier Hospitality comes naturally.
From the always excellent musical entertainment to the over 125 food and vendor booths, our autumn festival is wonderfully Hoosier.... and uniquely HOPE!
Hope Heritage Days is entering its 51ST year in 2018. Long considered the quintessential Hoosier Celebration, the event is Bartholomew County's largest and oldest multi-day festival.
During the last full weekend in September each and every year, the "Surprising Little Town" of Hope, Indiana swells from a population of around 2,200 people to upwards of 30,000. But don't worry, we'll take great care of you! Hoosier Hospitality comes naturally.
From the always excellent musical entertainment to the over 125 food and vendor booths, our autumn festival is wonderfully Hoosier.... and uniquely HOPE!
Visit us on Facebook:
Hope Heritage Days
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