Yopp's Meeting House

Mobilize

Bothered

A couple of years ago in Sneads Ferry, deep in the brush and brambles a stone throw from Hwy 172, stood a decrepit white building flanked by historical signs and surrounded by unkept gravestones.

It was an eye sore that couldn't be ignored by western transplant Terry Kramer, who had previously dedicated her free time to cemetery clean up, research and preservation. Every time she drove by the place, she was disturbed by the condition it was in.

So, she did a little digging, and discovered that Yopp's Meeting House and Cemetery has deep roots dating to the early 1800s, was rebuilt in 1890, and is recognized both architecturally and historically (National Register, 1999). And that there was once an active group that cared for the Primitive Baptist Church.

Around April, 2020

Terry Kramer is a force to be reckoned with and doesn't give up easily. She felt it was important to preserve a meaningful piece of North Carolina history. So, she partnered with Sneads Ferry local, Linda Swaney to bring new life to the historic estate.

The two ladies started with a Facebook page and a vision to restore the grounds and the building and to bring them both back to the honored position they once held in the community.

Linda started baking to fundraise and "my how she baked"! People all over town bought cakes for special occasions and no occasions just to donate to the cause. And Linda thanked them publicly with posts of them with their special-order cakes on the Facebook. 

Then there was an all call for stories, interviews, and old pictures so a better understanding of the project could be put together. A cleanup day was scheduled on the property with training by Terry on how to properly clean a gravestone without damaging it. And subsequent cleaning days have occurred regularly with small groups of Sneads Ferry residents offering labor, tools, and supplies.   

Currently

The Mission of Yopp's Meeting House Restoration is to unite our community in preserving an important part of our shared history. In 2025 "Friends of Yopp's Meeting House" became an official 501C3 with an active Board of Directors who will maintain their National Register status which protects the site from federally funded projects and qualifies it for grants and tax credits. They have recently had the property re-surveyed and marked by Weston Lyall, PE, PLS, PLLC.

The group has talked about refurbishing the meeting house and possibly transforming it into a historic museum offering educational programs or guided tours. The existing "Friends" initiative has allowed the grounds to be cleared and continually maintained the building to receive a fresh coat of paint, and fundraising efforts to become more diverse.

Further initiatives-like interpretive markers or state historical markers could build on this status and designate it as a cultural heritage site. And the Friends group could pursue grant funding or N' marker designation for broader community engagement and public education. And of course, signage, brochures, or local history events would boost awareness and support their efforts. The possibilities are endless and the board meets regularly to discuss their next step projects.

As with any endeavor like this, volunteers are necessary to make things happen, for community collaboration and funding opportunities. The "Friends of Yopp's Meeting House" announces upcoming volunteer opportunities and clean up days. Help them in preserving the oldest and most historic site in Sneads Ferry! Whether you can do a few hours to a few days, your time is greatly appreciated.

You can find the group representing all over the Sneads Ferry province at bingo nights and vendor events. And they are hosting their very first Ghost Walk on the cemetery grounds on October 23 and 24, 2026 - with story-telling about those buried onsite, refreshments, souvenirs, and Tee shirt sales. This is a group of people, mobilized by one person, into a community of inspired change. You'll find details about their October Ghost Walk on our events calendar: https://www.oursneadsferry.com/events

For the reader's curiosity and convenience, a Historic Timeline is outlined at the end of this article - researched via Google, Wikipedia, and AI.

Please let us know of any corrections: Hello@OurSneadsFerry.com)

May All Thrive in the Province,

Dottie

Historical Timeline

1813 - The one-acre plot of land was donated by Jeremiah W. Yopp. A log building was constructed sometime thereafter - marking it the earliest known use of the site. It was originally known as Yopp's Primitive Baptist Church.

1835 - Yopp's Meeting House was formally established on August 8, 1835, with 33 charter members including Jeremiah W. Yopp and other Sneads Ferry locals.

1890 - The current church was erected around 1890. It's a one-story rectangular frame building with gabled architectural features embodying Greek Revival style design elements.

The site includes two separate contributing cemeteries on the property - one for white parishioners and one for African-American parishioners, with several private plots fenced in ironwork. It serves as a final resting place for early settlers and war veterans such as Civil War soldier,
Robert William Yopp, b.1829, d.1909.

1999 - The property was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on July 22, 1999 and was recognized for its significance in religion, social history, architecture, and art.

Being on the National Register affirms its formal recognition at both state and national levels. Managed by the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office, the site carries protections under the Historic Preservation Act (1966).

2011 - A 2011 survey concluded that the cemeteries are in poor condition, with fallen and deteriorating markers - some wooden markers barely surviving.

2011-2019 - A local historical society "Friends of Yopp's Meeting House" had previously taken stewardship of the grounds and aimed to restore the meeting house. But efforts slowed and participation dwindled to non-existent leaving the grounds overgrown to the point of unapproachable and the building obscured by overgrown plant life.

2020-2025 - Article above.

2026 - Wonderful News! The future is looking bright at Yopp’s!

Friends of Yopp’s Meeting House has been awarded their first Grant!! A $5,000 National Trust Preservation Fund grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation!

This grant will fund a professional Historic Structure Assessment and Preservation Plan for Yopp’s Meeting House helping them thoroughly document the building’s condition, identify preservation priorities and appropriate treatments, and create a professional roadmap for the restoration work ahead.

For a small, volunteer-led organization working to preserve this special piece of Sneads Ferry and Onslow County history, receiving support from a national preservation organization is such an exciting milestone. The future of the historic 1813 meeting house is looking brighter than ever.