Welcome to Hope First Baptist Church! A place
where faith grows and hearts are united in worship.
Nestled in the heart of downtown Hope, AR, our
church has been a beacon of faith for our
community since 1868.

WHAT TO

EXPECT

We understand that visiting a church for the first time
can feel a bit uncomfortable, but please don’t let the
large building intimidate you. We are a loving and
easy-going congregation, excited to meet you!

Our sermons are thoughtfully composed and rooted in
biblical teachings. Please, come as you are—our focus
is on Jesus and meeting you where you are in your
faith journey. We invite you to be part of our family!

Our church has two entrances—one on Main Street and
another on the back side of the building under the
awning.

*Look for our Connection

Cards located in the

pew holders. Let us help!

Service Times

Sunday Mornings

Discipleship Classes - 9:00am

Worship Service - 10:15am

Wednesday Nights*

Dinner - 5:00pm

EPIC Youth - 5:30pm

AWANA Kids - 5:45pm

Adults - 6:00pm

*Summer Break - only EPIC Youth will meet.

Our vision

Engage people who do not know Jesus.

Disciple those who want to know Jesus more.

Go with God where He directs us to go.

Engage.

Disciple.

Go.

Our mission

The mission of Hope First Baptist
Church is to follow our Lord Jesus
Christ, and lead others to a new life
in Him upon the basis of being a
“Great Commission Church” as
mandated in Matthew 28:18-20.

our staff

Our youth group provides a safe and supportive
environment where students can grow in their
faith and build lasting friendships!

Sunday Mornings (7th grade - 12th grade)

• 9:00am in the Youth Wing (2nd floor)
• 10:15am for Worship Service

Wednesday Nights (7th grade - 12th grade)

• 5:00pm for dinner
• 5:30 for hangout
• 6pm for Bible study & fun

OTHER ACTIVITIES

• Spring Break Trips
• Summer Vacation Trips
• Mission Activities
• Youth Conferences

Children will learn about God’s love and the
teachings of the Bible in a way that’s engaging and
fun!

Sunday Mornings (babies* - 6th grade)

• 9:00am in the Children’s Wing (first floor)
• 10:15am for singing in the Sanctuary
• 10:45am for Children’s Church

*Nursery available for babies through age three

Wednesday Nights (babies* - 6th grade)

• 5:00pm for dinner
• 5:45pm - AWANA Kids

*Nursery available for babies through age three

SUMMER ACTIVITIES

• BASE Camp (Tuesdays in June and July)
• Week-long Summer Camp at Siloam Springs

Life is better when we walk together, and our
adult groups are the perfect way to connect and
find support on your faith journey.

• Bible Study Groups: Dive deeper into God’s
  Word with others who are eager to learn and
  grow in their faith. Enjoy meaningful
  conversations and the opportunity to build
  lasting friendships.
• Service Groups: Put your faith into action by
  serving others alongside fellow believers.

PEW SISTERS

WOMEN’S MINISTRY

• Wednesday Night Bible Study
• Holiday Parties
• Women Conferences

ONE EIGHTY

MEN’S MINISTRY

• Monthly Bible Study
• Work Projects

49'ERS

SENIOR ADULT MINISTRY

• Monthly Potlucks
• Outings

adult

ministry

Ruth’s | Parlor Room (1st Floor)

Ladies’ Class of Mature Believers, is focused on an in-depth biblical approach to deepen our relationship with God. We are a supportive
class with structured leadership and strong participation. Please join us!

New Life | Conference Room (1st Floor)

Coed Class composed of believers at varied levels of faith, ages, and walks of life. Our class uses a very relaxed, interactive approach for
class discussion. We support and welcome anyone seeking a new way of life, as well as those looking to continue to grow in Christ.

Renegades | Fellowship Hall (1st Floor)

Men’s Class of Mature Believers. The Renegades focuses on in-depth Christ-centered teaching of the Bible. Our class has strong
participation and is dedicated to learning and spiritual growth. Come join us today!

Grace | Room 203

Ladies’ Class of any age (from 30+ young moms to sassy 70+ grandmas) of varied levels of faith. Our desire is to learn about God
through studying His Word and help one another as we grow in our walk with Him. We have a marvelous time in group discussion!

The Breakfast Club | Room 206

We are individuals whose functional skills may differ from other adults. We provide an encouraging setting where members can know
Jesus as their Savior.

Open Door | Room 208

Coed Class of Mature Believers of Any Age. The Open Door class consists of happy, fun, and sometimes struggling people who are
grateful to be in prayer with others. With extensive Bible Study, we focus on prayer, bible exploration, discussion, and encouragement.

Sunday Mornings at 9:00am

ADULT

CLASSES

The Gospel

3 Circles

PRAY

CONFESS

BELIEVE

*The 3 Circles presentation was

created by pastor Jimmy Scroggins.

OUR

OUTREACH

Vacation Bible

School

Operation

Christmas Child

Banner Hope

Center

Hope in Action
Ministry

The Rock

Basketball Ministry

Homebound

Meal Delivery

If you are looking for a place to

plug-in, give us a call at the

Church Office!

870-777-5757

• OUR
• CHURCH

Click arrows to see
slideshow!

1868 - First Baptist Church of Hope, originally named Siloam Baptist Church, was founded in 1868 by Rev. John T. Aaron in what is assumed to be an old schoolhouse
located three miles outside of town. Despite the limited historical records, the church's early existence is confirmed by a deed found in the Hempstead County deed
book, dated March 2, 1875, which documented the transfer of a one-acre tract to "Siloam Missionary Baptist Church."

1876 - The first official property , a one-room frame building, was constructed at N. Walnut and Ave. B.

1884 - The Church’s present site was purchased and another one-room frame building was erected at Third and Main Streets.

1905 - A concrete-block building with stained glass windows replaced the structure from 1884. It had the largest auditorium in town and hosted many social functions.

1935 - Faith Hall, a two-story educational building, was built next to the church. It is said to be aptly named because it was built on faith of the congregation.

1951 - The current sanctuary, a red-brick colonial-style auditorium, was completed.

1959 - The church started a mission in 1956 under the leadership of Rev. Whitlow. This mission turned into Calvary Church in 1959 establishing it as an independent
church. Missions were started during this time at Allen’s Chapel, Guernsey, and Anthony’s Mill.

1962 - The new educational building was the first of several units added to the current sanctuary and now houses the church office, discipleship classes, children’s wing,
fellowship hall/kitchen, and youth wing.

1968- The church celebrated 100 years.

1990 - FBC began a mission church to reach a growing population of Spanish speakers. The church grew over the years and is an incorporated church today.

1997 - The Christian Life Center was completed and houses a gymnasium, walking track, and office space.

1997 - A group of mission minded FBC members, along with a large number of Hope citizens began the Charitable Christian Medical Clinic, the first of its kind in the state.
CCMC continues to provide free medical care and the gospel to thousands of Hope and Hempstead County residents.

1999 - Members led by Stan Nix began offering Upwards Basketball. Over the next 25 years, hundreds of Hope kids were trained in basketball and were introduced to
Jesus through this ministry.

2017 - FBC acquired the Migrant Mission Center building, just outside of town for use as a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program. We continue to operate Banner Hope
Center in partnership with the local Sheriff's and Prosecuting Attorney's offices.

2018- The church celebrated 150 years.

In the last 60 years, FBC has had 10 missionaries on the field that either grew up in our Body and/or were sent by our Body overseas. In the previous 70 years, 10
pastors have been called to the ministry from our Body. Please visit the church office for more information on our Church’s history.

OUR HISTORY

This photograph was developed from
a glass negative found at Shipley’s
Studio. Photo circa 1905.

Rev. John T. Aaron

1820-1883.

Founder and Pastor of
Siloam/FBC approx.
1868-1874 and 1879.

Faith Hall
Education
Building

built in 1935.

Also developed from a glass negative
found at Shipley’s Studio, photo of
first wedding in October 1908.

Close-up of
memorial stained
glass window from
the front of the 1905
building.

Current FBC
building built
in 1951.

Young adult class in front of the education
building. Photo circa 1945.

1868 - J.T. Aaron

1874 - J.T. Downs

1876 - C.P. Swinney

1877 - M.D. Early

1879 - C.W. Callahan

1882 - G.W. Reeves

1883 - J.D. Jameson

1884 - J.W. Harris

1885 - I.R.B. Davis

1886 - W.T. Box

1888- J.B.Searcy

1889 - J.S. Thomas

1890 - J.B. Searcy

1893 - B.B. Williams

1895 - T.C. Swofford

1898 - J.P. Henry

1899 - L.E. Barton

1901 - I.P. Langley

1902 - W.A. Freeman

1903 - A.H. Autry

1907 - W.F. Dorri

1910 - W.M. Bostick

1913 - T.D. Brown

1917 - A. Fox

1920 - G.W. Duncan

1923 - L. Hall

1925 - FW. Carnett

1927 - C.T. Ricks

1928 - W.A. Bowen

1931 - W. Rogers

1936 - W.R. Hamilton

1945 - S.A. Whitlow

1957 - J.H. McClanahan

1961 - G. Balentine

1967 - G.W. Trussell

1977 - R. Stiltner

1989 - O.S. Parris

1999 - W. Hood

2006 - W. Watkins (int.)

2007 - M. Fischer

2017 - D. Bramlett

FBC Pastors

Color photo of church built in 1905.

OUR

CONTACT INFO