Community Church

How did a young man, barely out of high school, become the pastor of one of Houston’s most historic churches? The Community Church, formerly known as Mount Pillow Missionary Baptist Church, has a legacy intertwined with the very fabric of Houston. Its roots go deep, reaching back to 1873 when Reverend Jack Henry Yates, a former slave and visionary leader, founded it. This church, a testament to faith and perseverance, has witnessed the evolution of Houston, from a fledgling city to a bustling metropolis. The story takes an unexpected turn in 1981. After a period of uncertainty and a fervent search for its next leader, the Community Church experienced a divine intervention. An 18-year-old James Wallace Edwin Dixon, II, grandson of a former pastor, was elected to lead the congregation. Many were surprised, but young Pastor Dixon, fueled by faith and a legacy of service, proved his mettle. Under his leadership, the Community Church flourished, its membership multiplying, its outreach programs expanding. It outgrew its confines and in a series of bold moves, first relocated to Pinemont Drive and then acquired a 22.6-acre plot, a testament to their unwavering belief in a future ordained by God. The culmination of this faith was the “King’s Dome,” an awe-inspiring sanctuary inaugurated in 1999, a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of faith and vision, even in the hands of a young pastor. The Community Church, with its remarkable journey interwoven with the history of Houston, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of faith and the power of unwavering belief.