“Deliverance Missionary Baptist Church in Houston is a place of healing and restoration.” The words resonate through the air like a comforting melody. Standing here, you can feel the presence of a strong community, a congregation united by faith and hope. The church, originally named Lilly Grove Missionary Baptist Church, began in 1960 under the leadership of Reverend Norris Terry. It began as a small frame building at 3602 Drew Street in Houston’s Third Ward. After three years, Reverend Terry resigned, and Reverend Willie E. Powell took over, guiding the congregation to a new location and a grand new edifice.
The building, a beautiful testament to their faith, was constructed in the LaSalette subdivision at the corner of Idaho and Tierwester. In March 1965, Lilly Grove Missionary Baptist Church held its first service at this new location. The congregation grew rapidly, forcing them to build another, even larger edifice on the same site. In January 1968, the church dedicated its new sanctuary, which stood as a symbol of their expanding community.
This church witnessed a succession of devoted pastors: Reverend Curtis W. Wallace continued the legacy of growth, followed by the dynamic leadership of Reverend Terry K. Anderson. Under his tenure, Lilly Grove’s membership expanded to over 5,000, with more than 2,400 families. It expanded further with the construction of a Family Life Center in 2001. Though the church has since undergone a name change, the spirit of unwavering faith remains. The church continues to serve as a beacon of hope and a place where the love of God is shown. Today, Deliverance Missionary Baptist Church continues to be an important pillar for its congregation in Houston, offering spiritual guidance and a space for community gathering.