The Unitarian Church across from Town Hall was erected in 1898. It was designed as a memorial to George and Hannah Draper by their sons, George and Eben Draper. Half a century before, the Community members in Hopedale had worshipped in close proximity to the early Draper shop, close to the millpond. By 1900, people in Hopedale would no longer use any of the early Community buildings, such as the church or library. Instead, they would worship in a Draper-financed church next to or across from a town building and factory complex all bearing some relationship to Draper family. 
As the Drapers’ wealth grew, their power in Hopedale and throughout the state also increased. Eben Draper served as Governor of Massachusetts from 1909-1911. Other Drapers distinguished themselves through military service and philanthropy. George A. Draper, who always kept a close eye on Hopedale, presented the Town Hall to the residents in 1887, one year after Hopedale was granted township. The building (which still stands today) was designed to accommodate businesses on the ground floor and has an auditorium on the second floor. 
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Last updated: August 26, 2022