Hope Missionary Baptist Church

Gazing upon Hope Missionary Baptist Church, one can almost hear the echoes of its rich history. Hope Missionary Baptist Church has stood as a beacon of faith and resilience since its humble beginnings in 1872 in Houston, Texas. Founded by Reverend Samuel Grantham, affectionately known as Father Grantham, the church’s first home was a simple “brush arbor” on Valentine Street. This street, once known as Sherman Road, nestled in Freedman’s Town in the Fourth Ward, witnessed the birth of this vital community. Hope Missionary Baptist Church eventually moved to a larger facility at the corner of Wilson and Saulnier Streets. Father Grantham’s leadership guided the church until his passing in 1891. The church continued to thrive under Reverend Charles H. Hunt, the second pastor, starting in 1893. He nurtured the growth of the Sunday School, BYPU, and church choir. His leadership continued until 1921. A devastating fire struck the church during the pastorate of Reverend Henry C. Cashaw, the third pastor elected in 1922. The congregation temporarily sought refuge at the nearby Gregory School. Despite this setback, Reverend Cashaw led the church into its first modern structure in 1933. Reverend Albert A. Lucas, the fourth pastor, took the helm in 1935. A dynamic preacher, teacher, and civil rights activist, he led the congregation into a new sanctuary in 1939, adjacent to the existing structure. Reverend Lucas’s involvement with the NAACP brought the church to the forefront of the political landscape in 1944 with the landmark “Smith vs. Allwright” case, securing voting rights in primary elections for minorities in Texas. His impactful ministry ended with his death in 1963. In 1964, Reverend Crawford W. Kimble became the fifth pastor. He envisioned a new church in a central location. This dream came to fruition on March 22, 1981, when Hope Missionary Baptist Church moved to its current location. Reverend Kimble retired in 1994, the only pastor to do so from Hope Missionary Baptist Church. Dr. D.Z. Cofield, elected as the sixth pastor in 1994, has continued to build upon the church’s legacy. His vision led to the establishment of the Center for Hope Community Life Facility in 2005, housing the Barbara Jordan Child Development Center. Hope Missionary Baptist Church’s enduring spirit is evident in its ongoing expansion of ministries and facilities. The church stands as a testament to the dedication and perseverance of its congregation throughout its history.