Founded in 1937 Holman Street Baptist Church has a rich history. It began as a small congregation. They worshipped in Pine Grove Baptist Church. This church was located on Cobb Street. It lacked space for growth. The church needed a new location. A meeting was held at the home of Deacon John and Sister Evelyn Lofton. Reverend F E Taylor attended. The goal was to establish a new church. God answered their prayers. A new church was formed. Reverend Taylor became the first pastor.
The church was named after its location. Holman Street Baptist Church held its first service on June 15 1937. Thirty-seven faithful members gathered. They met in a small neighborhood store. This store was owned by Reverend Isaac Jenkins. It was located on the corner of Tierwester and Winbern.
A groundbreaking service was held on July 4 1937. Reverend Floyd Turner preached. The foundation was laid five days later. On August 8 1937 the congregation entered their new sanctuary. Reverend NC Crane of St John Baptist Church delivered the message. The church was remodeled between 1946 and 1947. The first homecoming was held on November 9 1947. Reverend Gaskin led the service.
Reverend Taylor served for fourteen years. He left for a church in California in 1951. Reverend Cecil M Davis became the second pastor. He was installed on October 14 1951. He served until 1955. Then he accepted a calling to Saint Matthew Baptist Church.
Reverend Sherman A Douglas became the third pastor. He joined the church in 1948. He served as a deacon and church clerk. He was called to preach in 1952. He was installed in August 1955. The church grew under his leadership. He believed a full-time pastor was needed. He was dedicated to the community. He was a friend of Dr Martin Luther King Jr. He brought Dr King to Houston. They raised money for the Civil Rights Movement. He worked with Reverend Ray Martin. He was involved with the NAACP. He served as deputy director of the Gulf Coast Community Service Association. He also became the third vice moderator of the Independent Missionary Baptist General Association.
Construction of a new sanctuary began in November 1962. The congregation moved into their new home in June 1963. Reverend LH Simpson preached at the entrance day celebration. In 1974 Pastor Douglas and Sister Zelda Miller produced a memorial album. It was a tribute to Sister Barbara Rose Franklin. The album was titled Contrary Winds. It featured a sermon by Pastor Douglas. Pastor Douglas passed away on October 4 1977. He led Holman Street Baptist Church for twenty-two years. He licensed eight sons in the ministry.
Shepherd Manson B Johnson became the fourth spiritual leader. He was installed on October 19 1977. He started a Bible-based ministry. He led the church in praise prayer and preaching. In 1983 the church employed two full-time ministers. In 1984 the church started acquiring property in the Third Ward. They acquired the Winford Motel. This allowed them to expand their ministries. The church purchased properties. They intended to restore and improve the area. Holman Street presently controls approximately 20 acres. This is in the Greater Third Ward. It is located one and a half miles from the Downtown Central Business District.
Many ministries and community projects happened under Shepherd Johnson’s leadership. He led the church into a new 48 000 square foot sanctuary. This happened in September 1998. The original 7000 square foot building remained. He licensed over 50 ministers. In April 2020 the church went to virtual services only due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Shepherd Johnson passed away on May 31 2020. He led Holman Street Baptist Church for over 43 years. Pastor Murray G Martin became the fifth pastor. He was installed on December 27 2020. He preached his first sermon on February 5 2021. The title was Built To Last. Holman Street Baptist Church continues to grow and thrive.