“A Church of Christ congregation is needed in the Black community.” Those words sparked a movement that led to the founding of what we know today as Goosecreek Church of Christ. Let’s step back in time to see how it all began.
In the late 1920s a small group of devoted Christians migrated to Houston. They envisioned a Church of Christ congregation specifically for the Black community. These determined individuals started holding worship services in their homes. These homes were scattered throughout the Third and Fourth Ward sections of the city. As their numbers grew they relocated to local neighborhood restaurants.
In 1932 the Heights Church of Christ stepped in to sponsor gospel tent meetings. Evangelist Brother Marshall Keeble led these meetings in the Black community. The tent meetings took place at the corner of Waco Street and Lyons Avenue in the Fifth Ward. Many people were baptized.
These meetings were very successful. So, the Heights congregation hired Brother Keeble for more tent meetings at the same location. After many tent meetings the first Church of Christ congregation in a Black community in Houston was established. The new church started with about 81 members. These members were baptized at the tent meetings. Others transferred from sister congregations. Initially it was named the First Church of Christ. Later it was renamed the Fifth Ward Church of Christ.
The Heights Church of Christ continued to provide financial and spiritual support until 1943. Brother T. H. York, the first minister, donated his salary to purchase land. The land was located on the corner of Stonewall and Waco streets. Brother Emerson Woodard and his wife donated money and services to build the first sanctuary.
By 1940 the congregation had outgrown its building. A new sanctuary was built around the original building. The original building then served as living quarters for the minister. Since 1940 the church has continued to grow. This growth necessitated the construction of two more sanctuaries. One was built in 1947. The other was built in 1971.
In 1942 Brother R. N. Hogan suggested the Annual National Lectureship among Black Churches of Christ. Brother Hogan was the congregation’s fourth minister. The first National Lectureship was held in 1945. It took place at the East Seventh Street congregation in Oklahoma City. In 1947 the Fifth Ward Church of Christ proudly hosted the National Lectureship in its own building.
The Heights Church of Christ supported the Fifth Ward Church of Christ. The Fifth Ward Church was instrumental in establishing other congregations. These congregations included Conroe, Fidelity, Highland Heights and Kashmere Garden. Others were Missouri City, North Houston, North Wayside, Studewood, Sugar Land, Third Ward and Trinity Gardens. Churches were also founded in Louisiana and Massachusetts.
The Goosecreek Church of Christ stands as a testament to the power of faith, community and unwavering dedication. From humble beginnings in private homes to a thriving congregation it has left an impact on Houston and beyond. Its story reminds us that even the smallest gatherings can spark movements that transform lives and communities for generations to come.