Holman Street Baptist Church began in a humble store. It is now a beacon of hope in Houston. Holman Street Baptist Church started with only 37 faithful members in 1937.
Let’s step back in time. Picture a small group meeting in Deacon John Lofton’s home. They prayed together. They wanted to organize a church. Reverend F. E. Taylor attended this meeting. He would become the first pastor. God answered their prayers. A new church was formed.
The church was named after the street it was on. Pastor Taylor suggested Holman Street. The first service took place on June 15, 1937. They gathered at a neighborhood store. Reverend Isaac Jenkins offered the space. It was located at the corner of Tierwester and Winbern.
Reverend Floyd Turner preached the groundbreaking service. It was July 4, 1937. Five days later, the foundation was laid. On August 8, 1937, the congregation entered their new sanctuary. Reverend N. C. Crane delivered the message.
From 1946 to 1947 the church was remodeled. Holman Street Baptist Church held its first homecoming on November 9, 1947. Reverend Gaskin led the service.
Pastor Taylor served for 14 years. In 1951, he moved to a church in California. Reverend Cecil M. Davis became the second pastor. This happened on October 14, 1951. Pastor Taylor recommended him.
Pastor Davis led Holman Street for four years. In 1955, he moved to Saint Matthew Baptist Church. It was in the Galena Park Fidelity area.
Holman Street then looked inward for its next leader. Reverend Sherman A. Douglas was named the third pastor. He joined the church in 1948. He was a deacon and church clerk. He was called to preach in 1952. Pastor Douglas was a young associate preacher. He was installed in August 1955.
Holman Street Baptist Church began to grow. This happened under Pastor Douglas’ leadership. He thought a full-time pastor would be best. This would benefit the church and its future.
Pastor Douglas was dedicated to the community. He worked to lift burdens. He wanted to open doors of opportunity. He was a friend to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He brought the civil rights leader to Houston. This was to raise money for the Civil Rights Movement.
Pastor Douglas worked with Reverend Ray Martin. This was through the Progressive Amateur Boxing Association. He also worked with the NAACP. He served as deputy director in the Gulf Coast Community Service Association. He became the third vice moderator. This was for the Independent Missionary Baptist General Association.
Holman Street started its second transformation. Construction began on a new sanctuary in November 1962. Pastor Douglas led the congregation. They entered their new home in June 1963. Reverend L. H. Simpson preached the entrance day service.
Pastor Douglas and Sister Zelda Miller produced a memorial album. It honored Sister Barbara Rose Franklin. She was the Minister of Music. The album was titled “Contrary Winds”. It was named after a sermon by Pastor Douglas.
On October 4, 1977, Pastor Douglas passed away. He had led Holman Street Baptist Church for 22 years. During his time, he licensed eight ministers. One of them was Manson B. Johnson II. He accepted his calling on February 16, 1975.
After Pastor Douglas’ death, Manson B. Johnson became the fourth spiritual leader. He became the Shepherd-Teacher on October 19, 1977.
Shepherd Johnson began a Bible-based ministry. This ministry focused on praise, prayer, and preaching. It aimed to educate and save souls.
In 1984, Holman Street Baptist Church began buying property. This was in the Third Ward area. They started with the Winford Motel. It was next to the east parking lot. The motel allowed Holman Street to expand its ministries.
Under Shepherd Johnson, Holman Street bought properties. They wanted to improve the area. Holman Street controls about 20 acres in the Third Ward. This is near downtown Houston.
Shepherd Johnson led the church to purchase properties. This was to improve the area. He transformed Holman Street Baptist Church. It became a 48000 square foot sanctuary. The original 7000 square foot building was kept. There was plenty of parking. The congregation entered this space on September 20, 1998.
The new Holman Street Baptist Church had many features. It included meeting rooms, restrooms, elevators, and meeting areas. It had a state-of-the-art sound system and video screens.
Shepherd-Teacher Manson B. Johnson licensed over 50 ministers.
Holman Street Baptist Church grew from 37 members.
In April 2020, Holman Street Baptist Church went virtual. This was due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On May 31, 2020, Shepherd Johnson passed away. He had led Holman Street Baptist Church for over 43 years.
After Shepherd Johnson’s death, Pastor Murray G. Martin became the fifth pastor. This happened on December 27, 2020. On February 5th, 2021, Pastor Martin preached his first sermon.
Holman Street Baptist Church continues to thrive.