Mr. Hoppus was a devoted village pastor; he paid great attention to the young, and a weekly meeting was held at his house on Saturday evenings, for the catechetical instruction and the encouragement of those young persons who appeared religiously disposed. He excelled in pastoral visitation; was much in the habit of introducing religious conversation in families, and in the work-rooms of the lacemakers. He endeavoured to extend the knowledge of the Gospel to the villages around him. For many years he preached on stated evenings in the week at Denton, Easton, and Grendon, as well as at Yardley, beside visiting other places. Sometimes he conducted services in the open air. He had a very happy method of dropping a word of religious advice to persons whom he accidentally saw at their worldly calling: in this he was very useful, not only in conciliating the minds of some, but often of implanting deep and permanent impressions.
In the year 1813, in the midst of great pastoral success, a fire broke out, which destroyed many houses in the village; and the Chapel also was destroyed, which had stood nearly a century. This grievous trial would have overwhelmed a mind of less energy and enterprise, as the people at Yardley were totally unable to defray the expense of a new building. Mr. Hoppus, however, immediately set about the arduous task of appealing to Christian benevolence, and after many months of unwearied labour raised a sufficient sum in the adjacent counties and the metropolis to erect a Chapel of twice the size of the other place. A gallery was afterwards added, to accommodate a still increasing congregation.
But during a pastorate of thirty years, he had to share in some of the trials of the faithful minister. He often lamented that his hands were not more strengthened by the conversion to God of such as might have proved influential in discountenancing vice and immorality by an exemplary life, in consequence of their better circumstances. In some cases his fidelity gave offence.
After having been accustomed, till his seventy-second year, to preach three times on the Sabbath, increasing infirmities induced him to resign the pastoral office. The last time he preached at Yardley was on May 4th, 1834; and he administered the Lord's Supper to his late charge only a few weeks before his death.
In the latter years of his life Mr. Hoppus often appeared to enjoy much happiness in religion, and when unable to sleep would speak much and fervently of the great truths of the Gospel, and the glorious anticipations of believers. He would repeat many Scripture passages and hymns from which he derived comfort and edification. It was often evident to those around him that his mind was maturing for the great and blissful change that awaited him. He had recovered from an attack of indisposition, and still appeared to retain a portion of the vigour of his naturally fine constitution. On the 30th of August, 1837, he had taken some exercise in his garden, and in the evening had prayed in his family as usual; but he had not long retired to rest before he was heard to breathe deeply twice, apparently in sleep. His appearance indicated what proved to be the event. Medical aid was called in, but the vital spark had fled. Thus, in his seventy-seventh year, did this servant of God obtain what he had for years desired might be granted him in death, "an easy dismission."
Mr. Hoppus was interred in the burial-ground of the Chapel. The funeral sermon was preached, according to the long expressed wish of the deceased, by his esteemed friend, the Rev. T. P. Bull, from a text chosen by himself—1 Cor. xv. 58.
Mr. Hoppus's labours were eminently disinterested. "I have stated," said Mr. Bull, in his sermon, "that he was in business seven years; and, successful as he was, when his industry, perseverance, and talents for business are considered, if he had continued in it he might have accumulated much wealth. But it was not his object to seek that which has been the ruin of so many; and at Yardley you have seen, my friends, that he 'sought not yours, but you.' As to his life, it is unnecessary to say anything, for you all know his consistency. His views of the Gospel were clear. His religion was that of the heart: it was sterling, rational, and practical, and influenced his life and conduct. He 'travailed in birth for souls.' When he came to Yardley, the place of worship was small, the Church was small, and there was no minister's house. He enlarged the Chapel, built the house; and when the Chapel was burned down, he accomplished the laborious task of collecting, and built this commodious place." "What he did for the cause of Christ at Yardley will remain as his monument to future times."
These particulars are taken from an account written by Mr. Hoppus's only daughter. His only son is Professor Hoppus, of the London University.
After Mr. Hoppus had resigned the pastoral office, the Rev. J. Bunn succeeded him, commencing his stated labours in January, 1834. He removed to Abergavenny, in Wales, in 1838. During the ministry of Mr. Bunn, two new galleries were added to the Chapel.
The Rev. James Spong, of Newport Pagnell Academy, succeeded Mr. Bunn, becoming pastor in October, 1838. He resigned about the end of 1840.