Established in the 19th century as a summer retreat for Savannah’s elite, Isle of Hope offered relief from the city’s heat and frequent malaria outbreaks. Originally owned by Henry Parker, the land was divided into lots in the 1850s and 1860s and sold to prominent families who built grand homes along the water. After the Civil War, freed slaves from Wormsloe Plantation formed a small settlement here. In 1871, a railroad connected Isle of Hope to Savannah, and by the early 20th century, many residents lived on the island year-round.
Isle of Hope United Methodist Church was organized on December 18, 1851, on the mainland, then moved to its current location on land gifted by Dr. Stephen Dupon in 1859. Built with funds from island residents and Savannah citizens, the original vernacular-style structure featured gable ends, a gallery for enslaved worshippers, and straight-back pine pews that remain in use today.
During the Civil War, a Confederate battery stood on the church lot, mounting two 8-inch Columbiads and two 32-pounder cannons. The building served as a hospital for Confederate soldiers, with pews used as beds. Thirty-three soldiers from Effingham County were buried in the churchyard.
For 90 years, the church functioned as part of a circuit, sharing a pastor with other congregations. Horses and buggies were once tethered in the yard during services. In 1950, the growing community received a full-time pastor, and in 1957 the Sanctuary was moved to its present roadside location.
A major expansion began in 1983, adding a vestibule, front porch, connecting hallway, extended seating, and a copper roof. During construction, all furnishings were removed and stored, but in February 1984, an electrical fire destroyed the nearly completed building. Support poured in from across Georgia, and the rebuilt Sanctuary was dedicated debt-free on February 10, 1985.
In 1998, two transepts increased seating capacity by 200, and the Sanctuary was refurbished with new paint, carpet, and a Rodgers organ. Today, Isle of Hope United Methodist Church remains an active congregation, carrying forward a history of faith and resilience that has shaped the island community for more than 160 years.