Good Hope Baptist Church in Shotwell named Wake County historic landmark after public hearing

The Wake County Board of Commissioners on March 17 voted to designate Good Hope Baptist Church and its cemetery, at 4209 South Smithfield Road in the Shotwell area, as a Wake County Historic Landmark and adopted the associated ordinance.

Jeremy Bradham, historic preservation specialist with Capital Area Preservation, presented the application and historical research. Bradham said Good Hope occupies a roughly 7.5‑acre L‑shaped parcel and that the congregation’s documented history stretches to at least 1878, with an earlier connection to Hephzibah Baptist Church. He recounted the congregation’s growth, the existence of a nearby Rosenwald school, and the church’s Gothic Revival sanctuary built between 1951 and 1957 with original stained-glass lancet windows and donated pews.

"For nearly 160 years, Good Hope Baptist Church has played a special role as the center of African American life in the Shotwell community and continues to do so today," Bradham said. The Wake County Historic Preservation Commission unanimously recommended designation at its Jan. 14, 2025, meeting; Vice Chair Jeff Hastings read that recommendation to the board.

During the public hearing no members of the public spoke and the deputy clerk reported no online comments. Commissioners praised the community work of the church; Vice Chair Mott noted it was his childhood church and described the designation as an honor. Commissioner Adamson asked about consequences of designation; staff explained that as an honor the designation primarily imposes a requirement to seek a certificate of appropriateness for exterior changes and enables a 50% property tax deferral for qualifying private landmark owners—although churches are typically tax‑exempt and would primarily receive the recognition rather than a tax benefit.

Vice Chair Mayer moved to pass the ordinance and Commissioner Thomas seconded. The motion carried by voice vote with all commissioners recording "aye." The ordinance and designation were adopted by the board.

Staff noted the designation is intended to protect the church’s historic features and ensure that proposed exterior alterations are reviewed for compatibility with Wake County’s preservation standards; it does not prohibit alterations or additions but requires review and a certificate of appropriateness before exterior changes are made.

Bradham, Jeff Hastings, and representatives from Good Hope Baptist Church were present in the chamber when the board voted.