What began as worship in homes evolved into a beacon of hope. That’s the story of Grace Memorial Baptist Church in Houston. Its roots trace back to 1926. It was officially incorporated in 1927.
Reverend Albert J. Greene led the first services. A few faithful members joined him. They included Sister Martha Baker and the Turner Family. The Yarborough Family and Sister Pearl Young also attended. Sister Mattie Cloud and Brother David Thomas were among the first. Brother Rob Thompson and Sister Viola Peacock added to the group. Sister Ann Sadie Shannon and the Frank Wilson Family were also early members. The Veney Family and Sister Cecelia Crawford joined too. The Grove Family and the Goldie and Floyd Neal Family completed the initial core.
From these humble beginnings, Grace Memorial Baptist Church found its purpose. It aimed to bring people to Jesus Christ. This was done through preaching and teaching. Witnessing and discipleship also played key roles. The church became a light in the community. It focused on winning souls and nurturing its members.
Reverend Greene served for sixteen years. He established the church’s name. It reflected God’s free gift of Grace. He preached and taught. He encouraged members in their faith. He served until his death in 1943.
Reverend Eugene T. Grove followed as the second pastor in 1944. He was a son of the church. He created an Outreach Ministry. It included street evangelism. A scholarship fund was also established. The church even had a radio broadcast. He served for fourteen years. In 1958, he left to found New Frontier of Faith Baptist Church in Baltimore.
In 1959, Reverend Joseph Brown became the third pastor. His ministry featured radio and television programs. These were called The Grace Memorial Hour. He also started a prison ministry. He served as a Prison Chaplain. He remained at Grace Memorial Baptist Church until 1968. Later, he founded Manna Bible Baptist Church in Baltimore.
On August 7, 1968, Reverend Alfred C. D. Vaughn became the fourth pastor. He had previously led Promise Land Baptist Church in Virginia. Under his leadership, Grace Memorial Baptist Church grew. It became a voice in Baltimore and beyond. Membership increased. The Church Office was remodeled. The Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall were repainted. After eighteen years, he returned to Sharon Baptist Church in Baltimore.
Reverend Irvin Pope became the fifth pastor on September 27, 1987. He achieved many things. Membership grew. Weekly Bible studies were introduced. A Soup Kitchen fed sixty homeless people each week. Clothing was also given away. A Computer Laboratory was created. The Church Constitution and By-Laws were revised. Policies and Procedures Manual was implemented. Boards became Ministries. Mandatory training was required for all Ministries. The position of Church Treasurer was developed. The Sheepfold Ministry and Golden Disciples Ministry began. The Christian Education Ministry was formed. Men’s and Women’s Ministries were created. A Liturgical Dance Ministry began. Adult Aerobics Classes were offered. Black History Recognitions honored members. The Sanctuary was renovated with chandeliers. The Fellowship Hall was remodeled with new tables and chairs. New glass entrance doors were installed. A handicap entrance ramp was constructed. A new church roof was installed. A modern outside Marquee was added. A new kitchen was built. A new Church Van was acquired. A new boiler heating system was installed. The pipeline infrastructure was replaced. In 2012, a Ceremonial Street Sign marked the 85th Anniversary. It also marked the 25th Pastoral Anniversary of Reverend Irvin Pope. He retired on September 28, 2015 and became Pastor Emeritus.
On September 29, 2015, Reverend Marshall Lee Barnes became the sixth pastor. He had been the Assistant Pastor. He is a Baltimore native. His grandmother shaped his life and ministry. He felt called to ministry early.
For many years, Grace Memorial Baptist Church has thrived. Each pastor contributed to its growth. It moved from the Star Theatre Auditorium to its current location on North Eden Street. The church is committed to spreading the Gospel. It uses scriptural and spiritual experiences. Service and Teaching Ministries help members grow. They gain knowledge and skills. These are essential for Christian living.