Mount Hope Miners' Church

Built in 1868 - Rededicated August 23, 2008

The Rededication Program was a Partnership Among:
The Morris County Parks Commission
The Historical Society of the Rockaways
The Morris County Historical Society
The Mount Hope Historical Conservancy

History of the Church

In 1868 the Mt Hope Mining Company erected this church for the convenience of its employees.

It was one of several such churches built by the mining companies and referred to as "miners' churches."

The Mount Hope Miners' Church was erected through the efforts of the Mt. Hope Mining Company's superintendent, Richard Stephens. Though officially designated for any denomination, Stephens and his mining employees were predominantly Methodists previously attending services at the Stephens' residence in the Ford-Faesch House. The new church retained the M.E. affiliation until it closed in the 1984. The church basement was utilized as the area's public school from the 1870's until 1885 when a newer school was constructed.

Dedicated on Wednesday, August 12, 1868, the church served as an anchor for the mining community attending to all its religious, social and educational needs. From revivals to music recitals; picnics to reported hospital-care during the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic, this building has offered shelter, security, sanctuary and culture.
-John Dunado

As it was in the past...

The Church with a Fresh Coat of Paint - April 14, 2007

Church - April 30, 2007

The Church in Darker Days - May 29, 2005

Interior View
Not seen by the public since 1984

Interior View

Interior View

Interior View

Ceiling Detail

Stairs to Loft

Stairs to Loft

For More Information About the Historical Society
Send Email To hsr-info@historyguild.org

This Webpage is a Free Service of the History Guild