HISTORY
On July 24, 1953, Zion Hope Baptist Church was organized under the leadership of Rev. Roosevelt Mumford, Pastor and Rev. E.T. Johnson Sr., Moderator. The other members were Sis. Eleanor Mumford, Sis. Sarah Mumford, Bro. Roosevelt Mumford, Jr., Bro. John Scott, Bro. Walter Scott, Sis. Beatrice Hill, Bro. & Sis. Mallory, Sis. Mildred Clark, Deacon and Sis. West and Sis. Mary Mumford.
The church officially opened its doors on June 26, 1953. It was located at 1803 N. Arsenal and rented (initially for $30 per month) for 3 years before the properties were paid for on September 1956.
In October 1962, construction of a new building began on two lots adjacent to the original site. Rev. Mumford went home to be with the Lord on December 25, 1963, before the new structure was completed. Rev. Paul Montgomery, Associate Minister and Deacon Johnny Lytle, Chairman of the Deacon Board continued the work of the Church and the structure of the new building during the interim without a pastor.
REV. PERCY C. OWENS
On August 17, 1964, Rev. Percy C. Owens was called to pastor the church. It continued to grow under his pastorate & on January 22, 1967, the church celebrated the completion and dedication of the new building at 2301 N. Arsenal.
REV. DR. JAMES S. WELLS
In January 1972, Rev. Dr. James S. Wells was called to pastor Zion Hope. During his pastorate, the church burned the existing mortgage. The prolific increase of membership created the necessity for a new facility.
In 1979, Zion Hope purchased its present facility at 5950 E 46th Street. In 1983, Zion Hope Christian School opened its doors and provided education to children through the sixth grade. Other ministries were born under the leadership of Dr. Wells, including the Baptist Bible College (now Crossroads Bible College). Rev. Dr. James S. Wells went home to be with the Lord on September 10, 1987.
REV. BRIAN J. WELLS
Rev. Brian J. Wells, son of Dr. James Wells, was called as Pastor in September of 1987. Under his leadership, the church continued to progress.
The Dr. James S. Wells Memorial Library was dedicated in 1993. Zion Hope Christian School made great strides and became recognized as one of the finest schools of its kind in the city. Pastor Wells resigned in August of 2000.
REV. DAVID A. HAMPTON
Rev. David A. Hampton was called as pastor in September of 2002. Pastor Hampton was an anointed preacher, teacher and visionary with a love for the people of God. His emphasis was on “being spiritual”, not religious. Under his leadership, and by God’s grace, there was an increase in membership. In November 2007, he resigned to assume a pastorate in Brooklyn, NY.
REV. TONY MCGEE
On June 7, 2009, Rev. John Anthony McGee, Jr., known as “Tony McGee” and “Pastor T”, was called as the church’s Senior Pastor elect. He assumed the pastorate on August 2, 2009.
An anointed preacher and teacher of the gospel, Pastor McGee came to Zion Hope after serving as a minister at Eastern Star Church under the leadership of Senior Pastor, Jeffrey A. Johnson, Sr.
Under Pastor McGee’s leadership, the church mission of advancing the kingdom of God through effective evangelism, discipleship and service was established along with the vision of being a church that loves, grows, and serves.
The church facility received a “modern” facelift & embarked on an initiative to pay off the existing church mortgage in 2013.
The Rays in Hope Debt Reduction Initiative was created to further help the church extend its reach in the community. In the spring of 2017, God blessed Zion Hope as we paid off the $225,000 mortgage. To God be the glory for the things He has done!
Zion Hope has embraced modern technology in its worship services, integrated social media and a broad range of communication while striving for excellence in Christ. The use of technology and development of new ministries has allowed Zion Hope to make a significant impact in the community.
By the grace of God, and under the leadership of Pastor McGee, Zion Hope has accomplished the following:
God’s Hands at work…………
- Church facilities received modern enhancements.
- Integration of technology into worship services.
- Creation of Pastor T’s Hump Day Hurdle and Motivational Monday’s.
- User Friendly Website that allows members to give online.
- Pulpit Renovation
- New carpet in the sanctuary and in the main entryways.
- Overflow Seating Areas
- Renovation of Baptismal Pool and Rooms
- Renovation of Library, converting into a video production classroom.
- Renovation of all restrooms throughout the church.
- Classroom renovations.
- Purchase of New Furnace and Air Conditioner for sanctuary and window units for the administrative offices.
- Installation of new sound system for the sanctuary and fellowship hall.
- Purchase of new refrigerator and freezer for the kitchen and a complete kitchen renovation.
- Creation of the Hope’ Café for Bible Study and Sunday School
- Creation of a Guest reception room and baby lounge for mothers.
Kingdom Impact & Community Services
- Visiting Nursing Homes and Shelters.
- Distributing handbags, purses and essential items to those in need.
- Thousands of people were blessed by our annual Community Day, VBS, and back to school rallies.
- Parenting Classes & Strengthening Fathers Program.
- Annual Harvest & Truth and Treat Festivals.
- The Launching of the Missional Food Pantry which has served 1,000 in one year and over 50 people have given their lives to Christ. The Food Pantry has evolved into Blessings of Hope Food distribution every 3rd Saturday of the month.
- Hosting Seniors Symposiums.
- Hundreds of families were through a partnership with VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program).
- Participated in Good Friday Services at New Horizons Church in partnership with 8 sister churches which has generated over $100,000 in support for community services organizations such as Fathers and Families Center, Child Advocates and Convoy of Hope.
- Thanksgiving & Christmas Food Distribution to hundreds of people.
- Sending students on mission trips to Haiti and Puerto Rico.
- Providing over 100 children in Haiti with clothing and much more!
- Partnering with We Bloom, to host Recovery Coaching Classes.
- Partnering with Narcotics Anonymous to host a safe haven for those dealing with addiction each Sunday.
- Partnering with the Harriet Tubman School of Excellence to provide 5th and 6th grade students with a quality Christian education.
Zion Hope Church is a place where souls are saved, lives are changed, relationships are restored, and God gets the glory. We are excited to see what God has in store for Zion Hope as we continue to serve this community.
Hope is Here, Hope is NOW and there is Hope for the Future. Remember HOPE: God’s (Hands on People Everywhere)
Through the grace of God, His HOPE continues…
We have come this far by Faith……. To God Be the Glory
