Hopps Memorial CME Church

Reverend Frank Hopps and his wife, Rena came to Syracuse in 1929 to organize a colored Methodist Church (CME) and after preaching out of various homes in the area, Reverend Hopps purchased property on Townsend Street. This property contained a small store front and worship services for the congregation members of 70 began being held in what was then called Hamlet Chapel CME Church. In 1937, Reverend Hopps relocated his church to property purchased at 707 South McBride Street. To aid in the financial struggles of the new church Reverend Hopps would go out daily in his pickup truck to gather scrap metal to sell, and it was during one of his mission's that the Lord called him home. After Reverend Hopps death the church was pastored in the interim by Reverend Acie Thomas who continued to guide the church on it's mission, following the ground work laid by Reverend Hopps and his wife.
In the early 1940's a resolution was presented at the Colored Methodist Episcopal Annual Conference by the late Reverend W.Y. Bell to change the name of Hamlet Chapel to Hopps Memorial CME in memory of Reverend frank Hopps. In 1958, the word "Christian" was adopted to replace "Colored".
During the ministry of our second pastor, Reverend P.A. Mack, Hopps Memorial CME's Gospel Chorus was formed, and bake sales became another means of fund raising.
The mortgage burning ceremony for the South McBride Street building occurred during the pastoral leadership of the third minister, reverend Raymond Calhoun. The fourth minister, reverend J.O. Myers was followed by Reverend Giles Wright who laid the plans for this building at 1110 South State Street. Reverend wright died before completion of the building and Reverend D.A. Bell was the first minister to preside in 1966, at our current location. Reverend C. Alexander Shaw was our seventh minister, Reverend August A. Crumbley, our eighth minister, and reverend Ernest P. Richards, Sr. served as our ninth minister, his wife Kathryn is still an active member serving as the former Superintendent of Sunday School, a member of the Missionary Society and a Stewardess. Under his leadership, the Outreach Ministry was born and the first Thanksgiving dinner was served. Sis. Emma McDonald was the first to work with Outreach and others soon joined. To get started, Hopps' members donated their own personal grocery money and made sandwiches and soup to share with the community.
Under the administration of our tenth minister, Reverend Larry S. Howard, Hopps Memorial Christian Methodist Episcopal Church underwent renovations in 1988, and a second project completed in 2001 after a major storm caused severe damage to the church. The Outreach program was expanded and creative special events were organized and held. Among these special events were church sponsored concerts featuring such artists as the Mighty Clouds Of Joy and the Mississippi Mass Choir. In 2004 Hopps received it's eleventh minister Reverend Dr. Ronald P. Davis, Sr., who along with his wife, Brenda Davis came to Syracuse New York from Bowie, Maryland. Through Reverend Davis' leadership Hopps Memorial CME Church continued it's mission to minister to the needs of the congregation and community.
2007 brought Hopps our twelfth pastor, Reverend Kevin Jerome Agee, and his wife Gwendolyn Agee and Pastor's mother Emma Abbie Light Agee. During Pastor Agee's tenure, the Ministry to Men's Council and Hopps Dance Ministry were formed. The members continued to serve our church, community and families and those in need of spiritual growth and compassion. November 7, 2010 Hopps Memorial Christian Methodist Episcopal Church was once again blessed to burn the mortgage at their current location, 1110 South State Street and the parking lot was fully paved. Thanks to his leadership, Hopps Memorial CME Church has become even more involved in the community and the entire CME Connectional Church.
In 2013, Pastor Agee was elevated to Presiding Elder of the Washington/Virginia District and Reverend Dr. Ronald P. Davis was reassigned to Hopps. Six weeks into the Conference year, Hopps Memorial welcomed it's first female Pastor, reverend Regina L. reese-young. Hailing from Los Angeles, CA, Pastor Reese-Young brings accomplished musical ability, high energy, spiritual humor and a flare for vibrant worship experiences. She has implemented the Men's Prayer during Morning Worship, classroom-style Bible Study and is creating a spirit of togetherness as a family by honoring the elders of the church and emphasizing the young people.
Yes! We Continue to Honor Our Past As We Press toward Our Future! Since 1929, Hopps Memorial has made the ultimate sacrifice to be a viable force for Jesus Christ in the City of Syracuse! We are proud of our heritage, and are grateful to God for our legacy!