New Hope Baptist Church History
Where it began!
New Hope Baptist Church, established in 1804, has a rich Baptist church history that traces its roots back to Padgett's Creek Baptist Church, which served as the mother church for several Baptist congregations in the area. Rev. Spencer Bobo (d.1816), a member of Padgett's Creek, was granted permission to take "as many members as he thinks fit" to organize a new church. He selected a site west of present-day Cross Anchor, SC, near his home, and deeded 7 acres for a sanctuary and cemetery.
The original structure was a log building known as "Bobo's Meeting House." Both Bobo and Rev. Nathan Langston (1762-1834) preached there until Bobo's death in 1816, with Langston continuing until 1832. In 1809, the congregation was renamed New Hope Baptist Church and later constructed a new frame sanctuary between 1924 and 1926, which was covered in brick veneer in 1961.
Historical Marker
Erected in 2010 by the Congregation of New Hope Baptist Church, this historical marker (Marker Number 42-21) highlights an important aspect of Baptist church history in Cross Anchor, SC. This entry is significant as it references the year 1804 and is included in the topic lists of Notable Places and Religion & Religious Structures.
New Hope Baptist Church Steeple
Location: 34° 38.66′ N, 81° 51.515′ W. This marker is situated near Cross Anchor, SC, in Spartanburg County, an area rich in Baptist church history. It can be found at the intersection of Burnt Factory Road (State Highway 56) and Wilson Road (State Highway 42-1147), on the right when traveling north on Burnt Factory Road. The marker is located at or near the postal address: 154 Burnt Factory Road, Enoree SC 29335, United States of America, which is also close to the New Hope Baptist Church.
New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery
Despite its name, the cemetery is not located at the current church but at the intersection of Cox Road (State Rd 42-412) and State Rd 42-409. This location is significant in the context of Baptist church history in Cross Anchor, SC. (Submitted on April 18, 2011, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)
Nathan Langston Obituary. Nathan Langston was born on January 10, 1762, and served as the pastor of New Hope Baptist Church in Spartanburg County, SC, from 1804 until 1832. He passed away in Union County, SC, about two years later. This highlights the legacy of leadership within the New Hope Baptist Church. (Submitted on April 20, 2011, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)
Rev. Spencer Bobo Tombstone
Rev. Spencer Bobo Tombstone
Rev. Spencer Bobo Tombstone
Rev. Spencer Bobo
Sacred to the Memory of the late Rev. Spencer Bobo, who was born on the 29th of March 1767, and whom we hope was born of the Spirit in February 1786. He was baptized by Rev. Jacob Roberts, marking a significant moment in Baptist church history. In April following, he was married to Miss Jane Farrow on the Sabbath in August 1790. Rev. Bobo later departed this life on the 20th of February 1816, leaving a legacy that continues in Cross Anchor, SC, and at New Hope Baptist Church.
Jane Bobo Tombstone
Rev. Spencer Bobo Tombstone
Rev. Spencer Bobo Tombstone
Sacred to the memory of Mrs. Jane Bobo, the affectionate consort of Rev. Spencer Bobo, dec. Born on Aug. 1, 1768, she departed this life on July 18, 1828. For many years, she was a worthy communicant of the Baptist Church, contributing to the rich Baptist church history in the area, including Cross Anchor, SC, and New Hope Baptist Church.