A beacon of faith and perseverance, the Community Missionary Baptist Church stands as a testament to the enduring human spirit. The Community Missionary Baptist Church traces its origins back to 1873. It was then known as Mount Pillow Missionary Baptist Church, founded by Reverend Jack Yates. This remarkable man, a former slave, possessed remarkable leadership skills. He was taught to read by the son of his owner. After emancipation, he continued his education, founded a school and businesses, and even established Freedmen’s Town near downtown Houston.
The Community Missionary Baptist Church thrived under Reverend C.D. Dixon, who led the congregation for 50 years. He guided the church through a relocation to Feagan Street in 1949. This move was a leap of faith. The church had only 93 cents in its account. Services were held under a tent, purchased on the Sears credit account of a devoted deacon. A new building rose on Feagan Street in 1951, giving birth to new ministries like the kindergarten and elementary school founded by Velma Dixon. After an expansion, the church became Greater Mount Pillow Missionary Baptist Church. In 1974, the mortgage was paid, marking a joyous milestone.
Following Reverend Dixon’s passing in 1978, Reverend Clovis Emory Johnson briefly led the church. Then, in a twist of fate, James Wallace Edwin Dixon II, Reverend Dixon’s grandson, was elected pastor in 1981 at the young age of 18. Under his dynamic leadership, the church experienced remarkable growth. This led to the adoption of a second Sunday service and the creation of the “Tuesday Night Live!” Bible study. The church needed more space.
In 1986, the church relocated to Pinemont Drive, acquiring the former Pinemont Baptist Church. The property, purchased in 1987, housed three buildings and provided ample space for expanding ministries. This included the founding of Dominion Preparatory School in 1987. In the early 1990s, Pastor Dixon spearheaded the launch of Dominion Community Development Corporation, which spurred community building and neighborhood improvement projects. This included the development of three subdivisions and the rehabilitation of Dominion Square Apartments. The church was renamed Northwest Community Baptist Church, reflecting its expanding influence.
Driven by an ambitious vision, the church acquired 22.6 acres of land across from the Pinemont property in 1990. This land was earmarked for a new edifice, a testament to their faith. The existing mortgage was paid off in 1996, paving the way for the construction of the new sanctuary.
In 1999, the congregation inaugurated the “King’s Dome,” an ultra-modern facility seating 2,000. Recognizing its city-wide reach, the church adopted its current name, The Community Of Faith. Its impact extended beyond Houston, with the dedication of a worship, education, and housing facility in Uganda in 2004, providing care for hundreds of orphans. The Community Missionary Baptist Church stands today as a thriving community of believers. It is a symbol of unwavering faith, resilience, and a commitment to serving God and the community.