Church History
Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church was organized in 1872 in Houston, Texas. The church was established under the leadership of Reverend Samuel Grantham, known as Father Grantham. The fragile structure, called a “brush arbor,” that housed the first membership was located on Valentine Street, formerly known as Sherman Road in the Freedman’s Town area in Fourth Ward. The church eventually moved to a larger facility on the comer of Wilson and Saulnier Streets. Father Grantham passed away in 1891.
Reverend Charles H. Hunt became the second pastor in 1893. Under his leadership the Sunday School, BYPU and church choir developed. The church experienced continued progress under Reverend Hunt’s pastorate until his death in 1921.
The third pastor, Reverend Henry C. Cashaw, was elected in 1922. During his pastorate the church building was badly damaged by fire and had to temporarily worship at the nearby Gregory School building. In 1933, Reverend Cashaw led the congregation into the first modem structure of Good Hope. He remained an outstanding preacher and leader until his death in 1934.
Reverend Albert A. Lucas became the fourth pastor in 1935. He was a dynamic, spirit-filled preacher, teacher, national leader and Civil Rights Activist. In 1939 he led the congregation into a new sanctuary, which was erected adjacent to the existing structure. Through his work with the NAACP, the church was brought to the forefront of the political battle in 1944 with the “Smith vs. Albright” case. Voting rights in the primary election for minorities in Texas were secured due to his efforts. Revered Lucas’ pastorate ended with his death in the pulpit in 1963.
Reverend Crawford W. Kimble was elected as the fifth pastor in 1964. It was Reverend Kimble’s dream to build a new church in a central location to better serve the needs of the mem¬bership. Through perseverance and inspired leadership the “dream” was fulfilled as the church moved to its current location on March 22, 1981. Reverend Kimble ended his pastorate in January 1994 as the only pastor to retire.
Dr. D.Z. Cofield became the sixth pastor elected by the church on March 28, 1994. He is a native of Brooklyn, New York, having received a Bachelor of Arts in Religion from Swarthmore College, a Master of Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry from Faith Evangelical Lutheran Seminary. Dr. Cofield is the founder and Chairman of the Board of Hope for Families, Inc., a non-profit organization designed to impact the needs of the community. Under his administration, The Center for Hope Community Life Facility began activities September 2005, including the Barbara Jordan Child Development Center along with many other helpful and innovative programs for spiritual growth and life enrichment.
In 2006, Good Hope was granted a Texas Historical Marker from the State of Texas Historical Commission. In the following year, the congregation entered the year with a new church marquee. As 2008 concluded and 2009 began, members and friends re-entered a completely renovated sanctuary.
In 2009, God truly blessed the Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church family in many ways. The church was able to expand its territory by purchasing the Bayou Landing Apartments, located at 3101 N. MacGregor Way. The apartments were demolished, and the site currently serves as additional parking. The additional 5.3 acres of land doubled the size of the church’s North MacGregor campus and parking capacity.
On August 24, 2009, Hope Academy, a coeducational HISD Charter High School opened its doors in the Center for Hope. Hope Academy targets young people grades 9 through 12 who are experiencing academic difficulty, behavioral challenges, and other issues that have not allowed them to be successful in the traditional school setting. The school serves young men and women who are considered to be high risk for failure academically as well as in life. The vision of Hope Academy is to not only produce youth who are academically excellent, functioning at their appropriate grade level, but also to assist them in developing appropriate decision-making and critical-thinking skills. Hope Academy is founded on six core concepts: Character, Competency, Caring, Commitment, Courage, and Community. These concepts are emphasized through the school’s curriculum as well as daily conduct.
Hope Academy successfully completed its first year with a comprehensive educational experience for students. On May 29, 2010, the Hope Academy Class of 2010 became the inaugural graduating class with an unforgettable commencement ceremony that was held in the sanctuary of Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church.
Currently, the church has an active membership of more than 3,000. D. Z. Cofield continues to receive awards and accolades for his community service as he facilitates the goal of the church to “Take Hope to the World”.