"What goes around, comes around."
Michel and Carrie knew the historical
value when the Hopewell Methodist Church
came up for sale in 1996.
More than 120 years ago,
Michel's great-great grandmother Kittle
donated the land
on which the chapel stands today.
Carrie and Michel opened the old church doors as a
non-denominational chapel for such events as
weddings,
anniversary celebrations,
renewal of vows,
baptisms
and special family occasions.
They plan to hold traditional events on the grounds
such as
ice cream socials
and fall festivals.
Form and Country flower gardens
feature everything from hollyhock to white roses.
One particular
pin oak tree
on the grounds may indeed be the oldest
and the largest in the County and the State of Illinois.
There is a small
museum
for displaying items pertinent to the original church's history.
The integrity of this historical site
and all that has gone on within its walls will remain.
