In 1960 Reverend Norris Terry established Lilly Grove Missionary Baptist Church. A small frame building on Drew Street in Houston’s Third Ward housed the first services. Three years later Reverend Terry stepped down. The dedicated congregation then called Reverend Willie E Powell as pastor. Lilly Grove Baptist Church’s mission was clear to make disciples affirming the teachings of Christ’s first-century church.
The church quickly outgrew its small building. They purchased land in the LaSalette subdivision. A new edifice was constructed on the corner of Idaho and Tierwester Streets. In March 1965 the congregation moved into their new worship space. Growth continued rapidly. Within three years the building was again too small.
A larger building was erected on the same site. The entrance was changed to Tierwester Street. This became the main entrance for the growing congregation. Reverend Powell served as pastor until 1981. After a period of prayer and searching Reverend Curtis W Wallace became the third pastor in November 1981. His first sermon was in December 1981.
The church’s expansion continued. In 1985 they began building an even larger sanctuary. This was adjacent to the existing building. The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new sanctuary was on August 31 1986. The older building was renovated into a chapel cafeteria and classrooms. The church paid off the debt within six years. Reverend Wallace served until February 1990.
Reverend Terry K Anderson became the fourth pastor in December 1990. His leadership brought significant growth. The membership soared to over 5000 families. The Deacon Family Ministry and a restructured Church School aided in serving the expanding congregation. In 2000 Reverend Carlos Washington became the first Youth and Children’s Pastor. He later became the first full-time Associate Pastor.
A Family Life Center was designed and built. It provided a Christian environment for the community. It was renamed the Wendell Neal Memorial Family Life Center in 2003. In 2004 Lilly Grove established a church in Cabaret Haiti. This served as a place of worship an educational facility and a healthcare facility. A medical clinic is planned in Haiti.
A new 3500-seat worship center was built and opened in 2017. This accommodated the church’s continued growth. Lilly Grove Baptist Church continues to grow serving its community and spreading its message through various media. The church’s commitment to evangelism fellowship discipleship and pastoral care continues under Reverend Anderson’s guidance. The impact of Lilly Grove Baptist Church resonates far beyond its walls. It’s a testament to faith dedication and the enduring power of community.