Living Hope Church of Clermont

About Us

welcoming, caring, dynamic, living, serving, global methodist, a wesleyan community.

We are a community of people who are in process. We have imperfect & messy lives, but we are pursuing and experiencing a transforming relationship with our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ. Our one goal is to lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. We try to do this with every interaction we have - whether on Sunday morning or at any of our many ministries and outreaches. Everybody is welcome here, whatever your story, your questions, doubts or struggles. We’re all about doing life together in community, being intentional about our growth as people and serving one another and our broader community along the way. Proudly serving Clermont since 1891

Denomination: United Methodist Church

Founded: It all started when the first group met in the upper room of M. E. Wilson's General Merchandise Store on the southeast corner of 8th & Montrose Street in 1886. The people of Clermont and neighboring towns would hold weekly church services with occasional guest pastors, prayer, hymns, and discuss God's word. In January of 1891, 26 people became members of the Methodist faith and thus forming the Methodist Episcopal Church in Clermont. In 1968, the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church united to form the United Methodist Church, thus changing our name to the First United Methodist Church of Clermont. In 2023, our congregation voted to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church. In April, we rebranded and propelled into the future as Living Hope Church, a Wesleyan Community. Our name may have changed over the years, but our desire to spread and share the good news of Jesus Christ to the world has not. Important Dates: 1939 - Rev. Hancock began construction on the Hancock Building. 1954 - A Kindergarten was started in the church basement. 1961 - The first service was held in the Sanctuary in January. 1973 - Sunday School began in the newly built Education Building. 1991 - The church celebrated it's 100th Year Anniversary. 2000 - Current Senior Pastor Doug Kokx joined the church. 2009 - The Wesley Center held it's first worship service. 2015 - Wesley Christian Academy was formed. 2023 - Rebranded to Living Hope Church