CELEBRATING 140 YEARS OF SERVICE
HISTORY OF THE GOOD HOPE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
1874 – 2014
Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church is the oldest African American church in Round Rock, TX. This church was also one of the first African American schools.
In 1874, Rev. Jake Fontaine was inspired by God to organize a house of worship in Round Rock, TX. The house was built on a plot of land called “The Old Town” Round Rock. The building structure was an old log house consisting of one room. Rev. Fontaine started worship service with only 10 members. They decided to name the house “Good Hope Baptist Church”.
Link to article about Good Hope Baptist Church in the Community Impact – November 2014
The church quickly became a solid foundation for the community of Round Rock. God continued to bless the church, and membership started to grow. Later God sent pastors to lead and guide his people. Under Rev. Scott a vision came to enlarge the church building. Good Hope prayed and asked God for guidance. God answered their prayers, and the church building was enlarged to two rooms on both sides. At this time, Good Hope had completed the first church house. The location was built east of the present building. That plot of land is presently a part of Interstate 35. Blessings continued to flow at Good Hope with a growing membership. The church grew financially, and the members were elevated higher in the Lord spiritually. Good teachings were reflected in the growth of membership. Through God’s work in the church a beautiful tabernacle was built. The old church house was torn down and part of the lumber was used for the new tabernacle. The new tabernacle podium and choir stand had wooden floors. The congregational area had a dirt floor. Good Hope had now grown to 160 members, and the church had become a solid foundation in the community. Under Rev. Henry’s leadership, the previous church was built in 1946. The old wooden buildling was torn down, and a new rock building was built. Services were held at the Hopewell School for Blacks until the church building was completed.
In 1960, Rev. W.M. Reed was called. He was the shepherd used to re-establish the junior choir, Y.W.A. and put the BTU into action. Some of the blessings received were a new organ, paneling in the choir stand, carpet, and new pews in the sanctuary. Good Hope progressed both spiritually and financially.
In 1970, Rev. Robert R. Williams, a sincere man who was dedicated in pleasing God, came to Good Hope. The church started to remodel the existing building. The improvements consisted of adding central heating and air, suspended ceilings, new windows, and adding a new look to the men’s and women’s restrooms, a library and remodeling of the front entrance of the church.
On February 9, 1973, the church building was completely destroyed by fire. Rev. Williams, a prayerful leader with a few dedicated members started to rebuild the church. Services were held a Berkman Elementary School located in Round Rock. Dedication services were held on January 19, 1975. Rev. Jacob Fontaine, III, grandson of the founder, delivered the morning sermon. The dedication message was by Minister M.C. Arnold of the 19th Street Baptist Church of Austin, TX.
Rev. Leroy Anderson was called to serve on April 20, 1986. He was a humble servant of God who allowed the Holy Spirit to guide him. Under his leadership, the church received numerous blessings. Improvements made during his leadership included the church van, Xerox machine, paving of the parking lot, remodeling the women’s restroom and clearing the land surrounding the parking lot, and new front door, donated by Deacon and Sister Burkhalter. Rev. Anderson left Good Hope to pastor Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church located in Cleveland, MS in 1994. He was called home in the year of 2005. Our former pastor, Rev. Michael Butler, who was one of Rev. Anderson’s Sons, preached his glorious homecoming in Mississippi.
Pastor Michael Butler was called to Good Hope in December of 1994. Good Hope was his home church. Under his leadership the church acquired a second church van, a new organ, drums, and computers that was donated by Sister Connie Brooks to help our children.
In August of 2008 Minister Michael O. Oyedokun II was called to Pastor. He came with a vision for THE HOPE, we are a church with a heart like Jesus. Under his leadership we will continually grow in God’s grace – spritually, physically and financially.
Former Pastors of Good Hope
|
|
Rev. Jake Fontaine
|
Rev. Jack Addison
|
Rev. Jesse Shackles
|
Rev. Stephen Smith
|
Rev. Nelson Scott
|
Rev. James Masses
|
Rev. Andrew Hubbard
|
Rev. A.L. Johnson
|
Rev. William Jennings
|
Rev. T. Rodgers
|
Rev. James Kerley
|
Rev. Anthony Winn
|
Rev. James Kelly
|
Rev. J.C. Lott
|
Rev. H.A. James
|
Rev. H. McCrane
|
Rev. N.B. Southern
|
Rev. E.G. Gibbs
|
Rev. O.W. Henry
|
Rev. Greene
|
Rev. E.B. Brown
|
Rev. W.M. Reed
|
Rev. Robert Williams
|
Rev. Leroy Anderson
|
Rev. Michael Butler
|
|
DEACONS 1973
|
TRUSTEE’S 1973
|
A. Johnson – Chairman
|
L. Clark – Chairman
|
K. Bradshaw
|
L. Mays
|
P. Hamilton
|
W.E. Earl, Sr.
|
J.B. Reese
|
L.B. Bailey
|
M. Johnson
|
W.G. Tisdale
|
Z.T. Tisdale
|
|
L. Clark
|