Founded in 1872 Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church has a rich history. It began humbly as a brush arbor in Houston Texas. Reverend Samuel Grantham led the congregation. This early church was located on Valentine Street. It was then in the Freedman’s Town area.
The church faced many challenges. It moved to a larger building on Wilson and Saulnier Streets. Father Grantham died in 1891. Reverend Charles H Hunt became the next pastor in 1893. Under his leadership the church grew. A Sunday school a BYPU and a church choir were developed. His pastorate ended with his death in 1921.
Tragedy struck when fire badly damaged the church building. The congregation temporarily worshipped at Gregory School. Reverend Henry C Cashaw led the rebuilding. A modern structure was completed in 1933. His leadership ended with his death in 1934.
Reverend Albert A Lucas became pastor in 1935. He was a dynamic and influential leader. He oversaw the construction of a new sanctuary in 1939. He was a civil rights activist. His work with the NAACP brought the church to the forefront of the political battle. His efforts secured voting rights for minorities in Texas. The Smith vs Allwright case is a landmark example. His sudden death in the pulpit in 1963 was a shock.
Reverend Crawford W Kimble became pastor in 1964. He had a vision. He wanted a new centrally located church. This dream came true in 1981. The church moved to its present location. He was the only pastor to retire from Good Hope.
Dr D Z Cofield became the sixth pastor. He is from Brooklyn New York. He has impressive academic credentials. He founded Hope for Families Inc a non-profit organization. Under his leadership the Center for Hope Community Life Facility opened. This includes the Barbara Jordan Child Development Center. Many other innovative programs were also started.
The church continued to grow and expand. A new church marquee was added in 2007. Major renovations of the sanctuary were completed in 2008. A Texas Historical Marker was granted. The church experienced rapid growth in 2009. Hope Academy Charter School opened. The church also bought five acres of land. The Promised Land is what it is now called. A state-of-the-art fitness center was added in 2011. Global Learning Village a K-12 charter school opened in 2012.
Dr Cofield also launched Word of Hope Ministries Inc. This is a television ministry. Its goal is to inform equip and inspire. He continues his community service. The church’s goal is to take hope to the world. Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church has come a long way. It is a testament to faith perseverance and community spirit.