MERGER

Throughout the years, several attempts were made to unite the two New Bedford Congregations (Hopewell and New Bedford United Presbyterian formerly known as Deer Creek).  Following the merger in 1959 of the Presbyterian Church of North America and the United Presbyterian Church of North America into one redemptive fellowship, all local churches were urged to unite.  On October 18, 1964 the United Presbyterian Church of New Bedford was formed as a result of the merger by and between the Hopewell Presbyterian Church and New Bedford United Presbyterian Church.  The membership on December 31, 1964 was 514.  The merging congregations had created a body too large for the existing facilities, hence services alternated between both buildings.

Fellowship Hall and Sanctuary

The need to build was recognized.  Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Paraska offered the church any five acres on their property east of the village.  Their offer having been gratefully accepted, the new Fellowship Hall and Education Wing were dedicated on June 2, 1974.

Church Bells

The bells representing New Bedford United Presbyterian Church (Deer Creek) and  Hopewell Presbyterian Church.  In 1937 lightning struck the bell tower at Hopewell setting it on fire.  Efforts of the townspeople, the building was cleared and saved.  However, the original bell was destroyed.  The new bell replacing the destroyed Hopewell bell  is in the foreground.  The bell from New Bedford United Presbyterian (Deer Creek) is closest to the building.  

The Bell Tower

The Bells from New Bedford United Presbyterian Church (Deer Creek) and Hopewell Presbyterian Church hang together in the new bell tower.    Worship was held in the present sanctuary on November 13th 1983.