Greater Hope Baptist Church

Can you hear the echoes of faith? Greater Hope Baptist Church has resonated with them for almost sixty years. Right here in Houston’s Sunnyside community, this church isn’t just a building. It’s a testament to the power of a shared vision. Greater Hope Baptist Church started with fourteen determined souls in 1961. Brother and Sister Phil Jarmon, Brother and Sister Elijah Rivers, Brother and Sister Eddie Smith, Brother and Sister L.K. Shepherd, Brother and Sister Jack Harris, along with Reverend and Mrs. W.J. Gaskin, gathered in the home of Brother and Sister Ollie Edwards. They dreamed of a place where faith and fellowship could flourish. That dream took root quickly. Within a year, they acquired their first building on Southview. It was Brother Phil Jarmon who suggested the name Greater Hope Missionary Baptist Church. The name resonated with everyone and was adopted. The church’s journey wasn’t always easy. There were changes in leadership, with Reverend M.J. Jones succeeding Reverend Gaskin. In 1964, the church found a new home on Maggie Street. Under Reverend A.E. Campbell’s guidance, the building underwent significant renovations in 1978. Greater Hope Baptist Church continued to grow under the leadership of several pastors. Reverend Byrd Lacey, Reverend J.L. Campbell, Reverend M.P. Bland, and Reverend Lloyd Scott each contributed to the church’s development. In 1989, Reverend Mose A. Jones became the new pastor of Greater Hope Baptist Church. He would become the church’s longest-serving pastor. A pivotal moment arrived in 1993. Reverend Jones led the congregation to 9600 Scott Street, their current location. The purchase was a leap of faith. The property cost over $140,000. Remarkably, within a short time, they moved into the new sanctuary with a remaining mortgage of only $57,200. That mortgage was paid off in 2008, a testament to the congregation’s dedication. A mortgage burning ceremony followed in 2009. Reverend Mose A. Jones continues to lead Greater Hope Baptist Church, building upon its rich legacy of faith and service.