OUR
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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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REV. BRIAN J. WELLS

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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.

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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.

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REV. DAVID A. HAMPTON

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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.

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REV. TONY MCGEE

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Zion Hope Baptist Church entered a new season of growth and impact when Rev. John Anthony McGee, Jr. (“Pastor T”) was called as Senior Pastor Elect on June 7, 2009, and officially assumed the pastorate on August 2, 2009. Having previously served at Eastern Star Church under the leadership of Jeffrey A. Johnson, Sr., Pastor McGee brought a strong vision for evangelism, discipleship, and service, establishing the church’s mission of advancing the Kingdom of God and the vision of being a church that loves, grows, and serves.

 

Under Pastor McGee’s leadership, Zion Hope modernized its facilities, expanded its ministries, embraced technology and social media, and successfully eliminated its church mortgage through the Rays in Hope Debt Reduction Initiative, paying off $225,000 in 2017. The church has since experienced significant growth through facility renovations, enhanced worship experiences, and the development of ministries designed to better serve members and guests.

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Beyond the church walls, Zion Hope has made a lasting community impact through outreach initiatives, food distribution programs, mission trips, youth and family support programs, addiction recovery partnerships, and collaborations with schools and community organizations. Through these efforts, thousands of individuals and families have been served spiritually and practically, while many have come to know Christ.

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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)

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Through the grace of God, His HOPE continues…We have come this far by Faith……. To God Be the Glory