Hopewell Community Center

In 1914, a small group gathered in the McCord School to build a Church in the community of McCord’s Crossroads. Two years later, Dwight and Eula McCord gave the small corner of land to the Congregational Methodist Church so that the Church could become a reality, and the Hopewell Church was built on that spot. The Hopewell Church served the community well for more than 80 years. As time passed and many Churches began to appear throughout in the area, family ties and memberships slowly moved away. It seemed the little Hopewell Church would join the ranks of so many other vanishing churches of the rural south. In 2001, the doors were closed. A target for vandalism and decay, club members of McCord’s Crossroads Homemakers Club took an interest in the vacant Church and began seeking ways to save the structure. Much would have to be done, but first was to ascertain rightful ownership. Presenting their case to the Congregational Methodist Conference Board, the Church’s title was awarded to the McCord Crossroads Homemakers Club, the new owner of Hopewell Church. In 2014, the old building was relocated to the very heart of McCord’s Crossroads. With start-up grant monies, fund-raising activities and generous contributions, more than $90,000 have been raised to accomplish renovation and improvements. Along with the club’s wise stewardship, every effort was made to preserve the historical integrity of Hopewell Church.

In the spring of 2017, the McCord’s Crossroad Homemakers Club was honored for their work at the Hopewell Community Center with the annual Beautification Award presented by the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce.

Hopewell Community Center (Continued from Page 53)

Now continuing in service, the old Church will once again play an essential role in the lives of citizens and families throughout the area. Hopewell Church is now known as the Hopewell Community Center at McCord’s Crossroads. It stands ready for reunions, weddings, celebrations, and gatherings of many kinds. McCord’s Crossroads Homemakers Club is an outstanding organization. It was through their eyes the community saw the potential for service that the 100-year-old Church could once again bring to the lives of our community.

The McCord’s Crossroad Homemakers Club was granted the ownership of the old Hopewell Methodist Church in 2014 by the Congregational United Methodist Church. The club raised over $90,000 to turn the building into a community center. The first order of business was to relocate the building on the McCord’s Crossroad.

Most of us are always up for a beautiful day out on the lake. We load up our fishing gear, swim clothes and towels, sunscreen, a cooler of cold beverages and snacks, and head out to the water.

EDUCATION CARD. Did you know that to operate a motorized water vehicle on any lake in Alabama, you need an Alabama Boating education card? Don’t panic — the education is available online and is relatively simple.

AGE REQUIREMENT. You need an education card if you are 12 years old or older. However, there is no minimum age, and anyone out on the water would benefit significantly from the course. If you have a child under 12, they are not allowed by law, to operate your water vessels. Your PWC and boat insurance can be reduced by having the certification listed on your coverage.

EDUCATIONAL COURSE. Residents and non-residents are both required to take the educational course to operate on Lake Weiss. You are not required to have the certification if you have a US Coast Guard Operator’s License if you have completed the ALEA Marine Police Division course, or you were 40 and over in April of 1994.

PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICES. Everyone in your vessel must have a PFD (Personal Floatation Device) readily available. If you have children under eight years old, they need to wear their PFD at all time in an on the water. If you purchase a PFD in the state of Alabama, check that they have been they are approved by the US Coast Guard.

NIGHT BOATING. If you plan to do any boating at night, or after sunset and before sunrise, your vessel must have navigational lights. You can have your existing PFD and lighting equipment checked, free of charge, by the Coast Guard Auxiliary. When you are certified, they will issue you a CME (Courtesy Marine Examination) decal to verify that your boat and equipment are approved.

CARRY YOUR CARD. After obtaining Alabama boater safety certification, you may operate a water vessel on Alabama waters for up to 45 days each calendar year. Not carrying your Boater Education Card while operating a vehicle on the water can result in a fine. Alabama law enforcement officers patrol our waterways to ensure your lake and water experiences are safe.

Become an educated, responsible boater by completing the Alabama Boating education course, and practice what you learn. We can all do our part to keep everyone safe and having a great time!