[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 19 (Thursday, February 28, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E235]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE GOOD HOPE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN BENTSEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 28, 2002

  Mr. BENTSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the congregation of 
the Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church at 3015 North MacGregor Way in 
Houston, Texas, as they observe the church's 130th anniversary on March 
23-24, 2002. The church's long history of providing spiritual 
nourishment and community service will be celebrated with a music 
workshop, luncheon and two Sunday services.
  The Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church was founded in 1872, nine 
years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. The 
former slaves began to exercise their hard won freedom to worship God 
after having been prohibited from congregating in large numbers and 
from holding services. The church was first located on Valentine Street 
in the Freedman Town area of Fourth Ward, eventually moving to a larger 
facility on the corner of Wilson and Saulnier Streets which was later 
damaged by fire. In 1933 the congregation moved into its first modern 
structure. Then on March 22, 1981, the church moved to its current 
central location to better service the needs of its membership.
  Six Pastors have served as leaders of Good Hope over the last 130 
years. The church was established under the leadership of Reverend 
Samuel Grantham, known as Father Grantham, and he continued in his role 
as church leader until he passed away in 1891. The second pastor, 
Reverend C.H. Hunt served from 1893 until his death in 1921; the third 
pastor, Reverend Henry C. Cashaw served from 1922 until his death in 
1934; the fourth pastor, Reverend Albert A. Lucas served till his death 
in the pulpit in 1963; the fifth pastor, Reverend Crawford W. Kimble 
was elected and served from 1964 until his retirement in January 1994; 
and the sixth and current pastor, Reverend D.Z. Cofield has served as 
Senior Pastor since March 1994.
  Today, the membership is one of the largest African American 
congregations in Houston. A few of the ministries are Christian 
Education, counseling, Wellness, and the Hope Resource Center. This 
year Good Hope will break ground on a 25,000 square foot Family Life 
Center to better serve the membership and surrounding community. This 
facility will include a state of the art auditorium/cafeteria, 
commercial kitchen, 20 classrooms, library/bookstore, and day care 
center. Also, Good Hope has a faith-based nonprofit community 
development corporation, Hope for Families, Inc., which was organized 
in 1994.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Pastor Cofield and all the members of 
Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church as they celebrate their 130th 
anniversary. I wish them continued success as they build on the strong 
sense of community they have helped establish in Houston.

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