The New Hope United Methodist Church was organized November 12, 1831.  This church, located in the Ruthville/Chestnut Glade community of northern Weakley County, Tennessee, had been meeting in homes prior to this, but it was not until 1831 that land was purchased from Walter H. Jones for $5.00 to build a house of public worship. Trustees of the New Hope Meeting House were William Spence, James S. Wood, James T. McFall, Jepe W. Ballard, John Davis and William H. Jones.  This small church, the first of three buildings at that site, was hewed from poplar logs.
 
Other land was purchased from, or donated by, John S. Wood, R. F. Roberts, and Abe Sawyers.  Abe Sawyers gave an acre of land for a burial ground in 1891.  Additional land for the burial grounds was later added by Abe Sawyers and T. J. and Sallie Spence.
 
The serene cemetery stretches out on both sides of the church with over 400 burial sites of marked graves, the earliest burial showing as 1848.  There are many unmarked graves.  It has a perpetual fund and still has burials.  
 
The present structure was built in 1915. Although an active and vibrant community presence for many years, population shifts caused a decline in membership and the church became inactive in the early 2000's.  It still remains a place of solitude and meditation for many. Unfortunately, the church has been plagued by vandalism for several years.  In July of 2007, extensive vandalism was done with windows broken, eggs tossed, and the basement (former Sunday School rooms) generally damaged. This was actually witnessed by persons seeking to apprehend and document persons committing these acts.  The seven persons involved had court dates in August and November of 2007.  Each were required to pay restitution totaling the amount necessary to repair the damage. To date, December, 2007, five of the seven have paid restitution.  This has gone towards replacing funds taken from the Cemetery Fund which paid for the immediate replacement of windows.
 
Interest has been shown in purchasing the Church as a Wedding Chapel.  It has not yet been determined if this is a course of action which should be taken.  However, it would more assure the safety, and sanctify, of the building.