Ever wondered how a church born from the vision of a former slave could shape a community for over 150 years? That is the story of Community of Faith in Houston. It stands as a testament to faith, resilience, and the enduring power of community.
Community of Faith began in 1873. Reverend Jack Henry Yates led a small group of Christians. They organized Mount Pillow Missionary Baptist Church. Yates, a former slave, possessed uncommon leadership gifts. He had been taught to read by the son of his owner. After emancipation, he continued his education. He founded a school. Yates also founded the historic Freedmen’s Town near downtown Houston. He started businesses and became a renowned minister. He founded multiple churches. Mount Pillow Missionary Baptist Church is now Community of Faith. It stands among the oldest churches in Houston, Texas.
For its first 40 years, several pastors led the congregation. In 1927, Reverend Charlie Daniel James Dixon became the church’s interim pastor. He was only 27. After several months, the church voted for him to stay. The church was then at State and Hemphill Streets near Buffalo Bayou in Houston’s 6th Ward. In 1949, Reverend C.D. Dixon led the church to relocate to 5309 Feagan Street due to racial torment. This area is now the historic West End. This move required great faith. The church had only 93 cents in its bank account. For about a year, Sunday services were held under a tent. Mr. Richard McGarity, a faithful deacon, purchased it on his Sears and Roebuck credit account. He remained active until his death after serving the church for over 60 years.
In 1951, they built a new building on Feagan Street. New ministries emerged here. Velma Dixon, Pastor Dixon’s wife, founded a kindergarten and elementary school. It served families in the community. After a few years, the church expanded. It remodeled the facility due to membership growth. The name changed to Greater Mount Pillow Missionary Baptist Church. In 1974, the mortgage was paid in full. What a celebration that was.
Reverend C.D. Dixon served the congregation for 50 years. He established a reputation as a devout man of character. He showed love for people and faith in God. In March 1978, he passed away after a long illness. He recommended Reverend Clovis Emory Johnson as his successor. Reverend Johnson was an associate minister at True Light Baptist Church. Shortly after Reverend C. D. Dixon’s passing, the church elected Rev. Johnson. He emphasized Christian education in the ministry.
In the Fall of 1980, Rev. Johnson resigned. The church searched for a new leader. On July 19, 1981, the church elected James Wallace Edwin Dixon, II. He was only 18. He had just finished high school. He is the grandson of the Reverend C.D. Dixon.
The church began to grow quickly. The young pastor inspired members to embrace evangelism and outreach. Within three years, a second Sunday service was added. The church also launched a new Bible Study called Tuesday Night Live. The need for larger facilities became apparent. The entire lot at 5309 Feagan was only 5,000 square feet.
In October 1986, the church relocated to 1023 Pinemont Drive. They met with Reverend E.R. McCrary. God opened a door at Pinemont Baptist Church. The Anglo congregation decided to relocate and sell their facilities. The property was purchased in May 1987 for $900,000. The new facilities provided room for growth. In 1987, Dominion Preparatory, a licensed early childhood and elementary school was founded.
In the early 90s, Pastor James Dixon launched Dominion Community Development Corporation. It is a not for profit organization. Dominion CDC created three subdivisions. They purchased and rehabilitated Dominion Square Apartments.
When the church was firmly established on Pinemont, the name was changed to Northwest Community Baptist Church. The membership increased greatly. One Sunday, 126 people joined. The church purchased 22.6 acres of land across from the Pinemont property. The price was $955,000.
In 1996, preparation for a new sanctuary began. In the spring of 1997, the note was burned on the 1023 property. Preparation for the new building was underway.
In July 1999, the congregation entered “The King’s Dome.” This facility seats 2,000 people.
Due to the church’s broad reach, they adopted the name The Community Of Faith. The work of this congregation impacts the community. The Community Of Faith has also made an impact in Africa through its missions’ work. In May 2004, a new worship, education, and housing facility were dedicated in Uganda, East Africa.
Today, Community of Faith continues to thrive. It remains inspired to win souls for Christ. It impacts lives and does greater works for God’s glory.