by Sandi Huddleston-Edwards

HUNTERSVILLE – After 2 1/2 years of meticulous planning and what 250th anniversary committee member, Dave Moss, called a “true congregational effort,” Hopewell Presbyterian Church celebrated its 250th anniversary Dec. 30 with the sealing of a time capsule inside its family life center.

“When they open the time capsule in 50 years, they will know there were people who thought about where we’ve been and where we’re going just by trying to continue what our parents taught us – having faith in God and being supportive of a wonderful church,” long-time member Conrad Puckett said.

Barbara and Jim Cannon, who dressed in period attire for the event, were beaming.

“This is a special time – 250 years. This church has endured wars, depressions, and the ups and downs of the political world and continues to stand on this little knoll as a symbol of God’s love and enduring presence.”

Billie Martin, a choir member for 45 years, agreed.

“I think it’s an amazing testimony that this church has thrived – not just existed – by having new people join and become members of the congregation,” she said.”

After the Rev. Allan Purtill related the Biblical story of King Josiah, who found a scroll in the wall, and Associate Pastor Lenore Scales read Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 and led a moment of prayer, Dave Moss and Tiffany Barnette filled the time capsule with “thoughtfully selected items that are meaningful for all ages and will be a surprise for future generations.”

Committee member Dick Navy had the privilege of sealing the time capsule for 50 years.

When asked what the future congregation might look like when the capsule is opened, Tiffany Barnette replied, “My hope is they will consider themselves family members and not feel like strangers, as an extension of community through our outreach ministries. We chose a time capsule as a symbol that shows God’s faithfulness to His people and this congregation, which is deeply rooted in history and family times. Church is such an important part of people’s lives. Thirty or 40 years ago, church was where everything happened. Today, soccer, little league and shopping compete for our time, but our congregation still comes together to worship God in a faithful way.”

Molly Barnette, 9, plans to be around when the time capsule is opened.

“I think it’s special ‘cause we’ll celebrate in 50 years at the church,” she said. “I’ll remember my mom had a part of this day.”

As the dedication Sunday 250th event came to a close, Rev. Purtill reminded attendees the most important event would take place after worship service at the end of the day when Associate Pastor Lenore Scales would lead the congregation in packaging 10,000 meals as a community mission project in conjunction with “Stop Hunger Now.”