Progressive New Hope Baptist Church

Houston, Texas

Our Journey

Our journey as a congregation of worshipers of Jesus Christ began upon the church’s inception
in the year of our Lord 1875, under the leadership of the Reverend Tilman Smart in a brush
arbor; initially named Nazarene Baptist Church. Reverend Smart resigned after serving about
two years. Afterward, the church called Reverend Albert Marshall as pastor. The church
building was destroyed in the month of September during the storm of 1900. Upon
reorganization, services took place in the home of Sister Angeline Brown on Hutchins Street.

Later a small building, 18x24 was constructed, and named New Hope Baptist Church in 1901. After the resignation of Reverend Albert Marshall, the Reverend Dick Wilson, was called as pastor. After his resignation, the Reverend J.E. Edwards was called. Under his leadership, a more fashionable edifice was constructed. The Reverend Edwards was succeeded by Reverend H. Ellis. Reverend A.T. Gordon succeeded Reverend Ellis. During the administration of Reverend A.T. Gordon, the church building was destroyed during the storm of 1915.

After the passing of Reverend Gordon, Reverend S. E. Edwards was called as pastor. He was succeeded by Reverend W. H. Randle. Reverend W. H. Randle was succeeded by Reverend A.C. Ray. After the passing of Rev. Ray in 1934, the Reverend E. H. Branch was called as pastor. After his resignation, the Reverend C. E. Bell was called. After Rev. Bell’s resignation, the Reverend E. H. Branch was called again and served until 1941.

In December 1941, the Reverend N. S. Brown of Austin, Texas was called to pastor the New Hope Baptist Church. He completed the construction of a new edifice that was started by Rev. Branch. The church’s name was changed to Progressive New Hope Baptist Church. Rev. Brown served faithfully as pastor for 51 years and retired in December 1992.

On October 10, 1993 the Reverend Lamon Lamar Atkins, Sr. was called to pastor the Progressive New Hope congregation. Reverend Atkins took advantage of every opportunity to administrate, counsel, teach, preach and, admonish spiritual maturity within all members; thus, Progressive New Hope has continued to grow and made tremendous progress.

In August 2008, to everyone’s amazement and disappointment, the church building at 2802 Elgin was severely damaged by Hurricane Ike. After demolishing the old building in 2009, construction was begun on a new state-of-the-art worship facility, and completed in 2011. In 2022, the $1.2 million indebtedness was paid in full, to the glory of our God. Progressive New Hope maintains our mission to “Exalt our Christ, Edify our Members, and Evangelize our Community.” As a Mission congregation, we have partnered with Bethel’s Global Reach to fulfill Christ’s Great Commission: “To go into all the world and make disciples.”