Founded in 1930 the Hill Zion Missionary Baptist Church began as Macedonia a small congregation in Houston’s Fifth Ward. Reverend Jerome Harris led this dedicated group. Only one deacon Deacon A Smith served at that time. Their first building stood on Buck and Cage Streets. Space was tight but the church grew quickly. They expanded to accommodate their increasing membership.
Reverend W T Perry took over in 1932 due to Reverend Harris’s health. The congregation purchased land on Buck and Cage from Mr and Mrs W C Munn. They built a small church. They renamed their church Zion Hill Baptist Church.
Tragedy struck in 1949. Reverend B J Perry passed away. Reverend Curverson Lee Punch then led the church in 1950. He provided strength and courage to the grieving members.
The City of Houston’s expansion forced a move. In 1955 the church relocated to its current location in Kashmere Gardens at Crane and Leffingwell. Remarkably just two years later in 1957 they paid off their mortgage. Further expansion happened in 1959. This improved the church’s atmosphere and offered more space.
The church continued to thrive. They completed significant renovations in 1980 and 1987. Improvements included office space classrooms and improved restrooms. The fellowship hall was renovated in 1996. This added a library additional classrooms and a nursery.
Reverend Lewis Terry Jr. led the church from 1993 until 1996 due to Reverend Punch’s illness. Reverend Punch became Pastor Emeritus. Sadly Reverend Punch died in 1995. Reverend Terry resigned and Reverend Stan K Lewis Sr. took over in 1997. He served until 1999. That year the church honored Reverend Punch with a memorial plaque.
Reverend Mark Anthony Edwards became pastor in 2000. He served for seventeen years. After he left in 2017 the church operated under the guidance of its deacons and trustees. Various ministers filled in. A major blessing arrived in 2018. The Samaritan’s Purse Foundation provided a restoration grant. This funded a complete overhaul including roof foundation flooring structural repairs HVAC systems and the fellowship hall. The restoration was finished in January 2020.
Hill Zion Missionary Baptist Church stands today a testament to faith perseverance and community. It continues its mission of providing salvation and restoration. This church’s history shows unwavering faith and community support. It is a powerful story of resilience and growth.