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1958- 2018
Looking back in humble retrospect, we can only be grateful for Pastor Julius Caesar Johnson who was dedicated to following the voice and direction from God to “go forth, organize and build an edifice in His Name”.
Thus, a mighty work began on December 18, 1958 when Pastor Johnson stepped out on faith and with three faithful families as followers, J.C. Johnson, W.C. Price and Allen Earls, organized the Trinity Missionary Baptist Church. For one year service was held at the Sunnyside Civic Center, which was at that time, a temporary location. As expected, the task of organizing a Church, to the Glory of God, was not an easy one, but with faith in God the work continued.
And the Lord said unto Abraham, “lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, eastward and westward. For all the land which thou seeth, to thee will I give it and thy seed forever” Genesis 12-14-15.
On December 1, 1959 a lot at 8414 Woodward Street (Sunnyside edition) was purchased and a building was dedicated in God’s honor. By this time, Pastor Johnson, being an advocate for fellowship, leadership and discipleship began to organize the various auxiliaries of the Church. Membership had flourished spiritually and numerically to over 100 members.
Pastor Johnson was a Shepherd who was committed to Christian stewardship. He was a wonderful Counselor. In the spirit of love he rebuked sin in all places and was never too busy to visit the sick and the troubled or sorrowing in the Church and community.
Deacons serving under Pastor Johnson were Sammy Hughes, Willie Hughes, Keever Watkins, Lawrence Riley, Allen Earls, Lonnie Holmes, Joseph Peterson, William Johnson, (Chairman) and Singleton Brown. Auxiliary Chairpersons and Presidents were: Ushers, Bro. Willie Jones, Nurse Aide, Sis. Birdie Blair, Choir, Sis. Butha Ramsey, Sunday School Superintendent, Dec. Willie Hughes, Pastor’s Aide, Sis. Mildred Price and Choir Director/Musician, Bro. Aldice Sayles. February 18, 1965, a proposal totaling $30,000 was submitted to provide for enlarging and beautifying the Sanctuary, Cafeteria and the purchase of pews and pulpit furniture. Later, the Pastor’s study was added.
The one thing that securely held the ”body” together was not the men and women who began the Church in 1958, nor was it contained within the walls of the Church building itself, for those things are only temporary. Our faith was, and should always be, anchored in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, WHO WAS, AND IS, AND IS YET TO COME.
Rev. Johnson was a Christian leader, missionary, educator and man of God. His excellence was demonstrated by his faithfulness to the task of pastoring for which he was called by God to do. He was a visionary who labored hard and followed the mandate to build a Church, and that he did. He faithfully fulfilled his mission and was called from labor to reward after seventeen years of service on May 18, 1975. He left behind a strong legacy, a financially secure, spirit filled Church of over 500 members, a devoted wife, Dr. Valrie E. Johnson, son, Michael Johnson and beloved grand-daughter, Crystal Michelle Johnson.
Pastor J. C. Johnson lived a life that was an example to the Church members, his fellow co-laborers in the ministry and to all who knew him. He considered himself expendable for his people and the cause of Christ. Truly, God was his “guiding light” enabling him to serve as he did.
Almost immediately following the demise of Rev. Johnson, Rev. George Stredic, a faithful “son” of the Church became the interim Pastor for one year.
On March 28, 1976, a Church meeting was held for the purpose of selecting a Pastor. After much prayerful consideration, God, true to His promise to give us a Pastor according to His own Heart, blessed us with Rev. Richard Jefferson Lott, Sr. (formerly of the Greater St. Luke Baptist Church), a prophetic messenger of God’s Holy Word who preached under the power and anointing of the Holy Spirit. Along with Pastor Lott, we also welcomed his wife, Mary Gene and sons, Dana De’jorn and Richard, Jr. (now both gospel preachers). He was formally installed by Pastor Floyd N. Williams, Sr. (Antioch Missionary Baptist Church) on the first Sunday in May, 1976. Under Pastor Lott’s obedience to God, leadership abilities, and spiritual acumen several auxiliaries were organized, some re-organized and the Church continued to flourish in God’s Word and we truly became “A Church People Saved to Serve”.
The first program to benefit the Rev. J. C. Johnson Memorial Scholarship Fund was held on May 23, 1976. It was established in honor of the late Pastor Johnson, an educator, who constantly motivated youth and adults toward higher educational goals. Numerous deserving high school and college graduates have benefitted from the financial assistance that enabled them to further their education.
November 1, 1989, the final indebtedness of the Church was liquidated and a special “Mortgage Burning Ceremony” was held with the late Pastor T. J. Compton (Mt. Canaan Baptist Church) conducting services
During Pastor Lott’s tenure, twenty seven “men” announced their call to the gospel ministry. They were James Rosenthal, Desmand Rosenthal, Nathaniel Jones, Thomas Calhoun, Anthony Wilkerson, Theo Perry, Sr., Donald Wyatt, Irvy Thompson, Dana Lott, Jonathan Wooden, Patrick Carraway, Richard J. Lott, Jr., Terry Koontz, Christopher Perry, Bryant Ryals, Curtis Eli and DeVonn Batiste. Deceased “Sons”, Lorenzo Lockett, Sr., Gregory Criddle, Moses Joseph, Willie Jacobs and Kenneth Rosenthal.
Those who are now Pastors include: Pastor Charles Gaines, Sr., (New Spirit of Life Baptist Church), Pastor Richard E. Jones (Mt. Calvary Baptist Church), Pastor William R. Lott, Jr. (St. Paul Baptist Church), Pastor Valgene Holmes (Greater Rosehill Baptist Church) and Evangelist, Rev. Stephen J. Graves (Word on the Streets Evangelistic Association)., (Deacons under his leadership were: Robert Nelson, Robert High, Sr. Leroy Garrett, Alex Gross, Gene A. Lott, Ray Herman Jones, Sr. and Lonzell Rector.
November 16, 1990, the membership was totally devastated when a raging fire literally “gutted” our Church building. With the fervent prayers of the righteous, faith and a strong determination, we had no doubt that God would enable us to accomplish His Will for the Church and rebuild a larger and even greater edifice than we had previously. Meanwhile, temporary services were held at the Sunnyside Elementary School, conveniently located several blocks from the Church.
Beginning January 1991 and by May, 1991, the first of three phases (debt free) renovation had been completed. The first service in the “new” Sanctuary was held, Sunday, May 12, 1991 and the dedicatory service was held May 19, 1991 with Pastor C. L. Jackson (Pleasant Grove Baptist Church) conducting the services using the theme, “From Consternation to Dedication”.
Through the following years, God continued to bless Trinity Baptist Church abundantly because of our complete trust in Him and His unfailing love for us. As we watched our Leader take the Church to higher and higher heights striving to develop it into the Church that Christ is coming back for, we were also witnesses as his physical health began to fail. On Labor Day, September, 1999, the lives of every faithful member of Trinity Baptist Church had been affected. Pastor Lott, who constantly prayed for our souls, helped to “rear” our youth, buried our dead, provided counsel and wisdom, love and benevolence was now comatose at M. D. Anderson Hospital. No matter how dreary it may have seemed, our faith was not shaken because we “knew” what God would do. Our faithfulness and constant prayers were rewarded on the first Sunday in May, 2000, when God restored our Pastor, returning him to his “rightful” place at the Church and with the people that had been entrusted in his care. Trading “his story” for “God’s Glory”, his personal testimony became, “my setback was a setup for my comeback”.
Immediately after returning to “duty”, as the Lord empowered him, he continued to “preach in season and out of season,” sing until the power of the Lord came down, pray for the flock, individually and collectively, always ministering to the needs of the Church.
In remembrance of Deacon William C. Johnson, lovingly referred to as “Dec.”, the William C. Johnson Fellowship Hall was named and dedicated (across the street from the Church) in 2002. Also in 2002, four parcels of land were purchased paralleling Shelby Circle and Lawler streets. Additionally, the corner lot next to the Pastor’s study had been acquired and became the Richard J. Lott Empowerment Center. Other adjacent lots were purchased in the following years in the areas surrounding the Church.
September 23, 2005, HURRICANE RITA makes landfall as Category 3; largest evacuation in U. S. History Major flooding 59 Deaths; DEATHS, TRINITY BAPTIST CHURCH STILL STANDING. GROWING STRONGER, GROWING DEEPER AND REACHING HIGHER
We were very grateful to God that our Pastor continued to grow stronger and his health improved. His message and his preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a determination of the Spirit’s power. He remained a Spiritual Leader and faithful Servant, full of wisdom and biblical literacy. His teaching and correction comforted and strengthened us. Through him, God overflowed our lives with blessings. We were secure in our desire for eternal life, because the Lord gave us a Shepherd.
September 13, 2008 HURRICANE IKE makes landfall as Category 2. Most destructive hurricane to ever hit Texas and one of the deadliest, 84 Deaths; TRINITY BAPTIST CHURCH STILL STANDING
Pastor Richard J. Lott, Sr., our dearly beloved Leader who faithfully served at Trinity Baptist Church for 33 productive years was called from labor to reward on January 25, 2009. His service and devotion to and love and dedication toward God and Trinity Baptist Church will not soon be forgotten and adds to the history and rich legacy of our prestigious institution.
It is because of our “late” former Pastors that our Church has a rich tradition, highlighting our congregation’s strength, perseverance and deep faith. They both worked to establish a legacy of excellence that has touched the lives of many through the years. We anxiously looked toward the promise of the future.
MOVING FORWARD AND EMBRACING THE NEW
Under the direction of Pastor William R. Lott, Sr. (Mt. Sinai Baptist Church, Chicago, Illinois) a Pulpit Search committee was selected to begin the arduous task of preparing to search for a full-time Pastor. They were: Dec. Gene A. Lott, Chairman, Charlotte Batiste, Bonita Drones, J. Sue Lane, Secretary, Dec. Lonzell Rector, Brenda Carraway (Alternate) and Michael Carter (Alternate). Over forty resumes’ were submitted for perusal with seven being chosen for prayerful consideration and possible acceptance.
Following a vote of the membership majority, Rev. Antione K. Eakins (former Pastor of the Cedar Grove Baptist Church, Vicksburg, Mississippi), a man of energy, effort and effectiveness accepted the “call” and position as the full-time Pastor of Trinity Baptist Church. He, along with his wife, Memorie, and sons, A. J., Jr. and Khalil became our first family.
Installation service was held the second Sunday in April, 2010 with sermon by Pastor Danny Davis (Jordan Grove Baptist Church, Houston). The “now” Pastor came with new ideas, new vision, and new leadership style. He preached and taught an uncompromising gospel that was captivating, encouraging and inspiring. Recognizing that the people of Trinity Missionary Baptist Church had a heart for humanity, the vision for every aspect of the Church became “Ministering to the Total Need of Man”. Pastor Eakins commissioned the development of the Church’s logo, website, radio ministry, live stream service recordings, and AV ministry sharing the message and services through amplified sound and recordings.
Under Pastor Eakins leadership, the overflowing membership had outgrown the edifice at 8414 Woodward Street and he endeavored to move the Church to a larger facility. On Sunday, April 27, 2012, the Trinity Missionary Baptist Church celebrated “Open House” and dedicatory services at a new location, 5530 Van Fleet (in the South Park section of the city.)
STRENGTHENING OUR GRIP
Announcing their call to the Gospel ministry under the leadership of Pastor Eakins were, Rev. Jacob Scott, Rev. Andre’ Raglin, Rev. Richard Prince, Sr., Rev. Calvin Lettries, Rev. Al Bocard, Rev. Jermaine Pipkins, Rev. George Anderson, Rev. DeShon Shed, Rev. Marlin Jackson, Rev. Clifford Kemp, Rev. Demontrae Palmer, Rev. Steven Moore, Rev. Mallory Jackson, Rev. Jonathan Green and Pastor Lloyd Hinton (Rising Star Baptist Church, Louise, Texas). Associate Ministers, Rev. Eugene Bradley, Rev. Kwame Perry and Rev. Melvin Kirks. In 2016, Rev. Dennis Roundtree was appointed assistant to the Pastor.
August 25-28, 2017 HURRICANE HARVEY Category 4, Costliest tropical cyclone in Texas history. Extreme rainfall 100 + DEATHS, TRINITY BAPTIST CHURCH STILL STANDING
Pastor Antione K. Eakins, Sr. served his “season” as Shepherd of Trinity Baptist Church and left the position on Sunday, July 8, 2018. AIN’T NO STOPPING US NOW
Realizing that prayer still works and that God is continuing to shine “His Light” on Trinity Missionary Baptist Church and has allowed it to stand strong for “60 years, Pastor Charles W. Gaines, Sr., New Spirit of Life Baptist Church “Son in ministry of the late Pastor R. J. Lott, Sr. has stepped in as Advisor and now Interim Pastor to assist in our transition as we once again go from” Consternation to Dedication.” In the words of our dearly beloved late Pastor Lott, “we are Elephant happy and Hippopotamus glad” for his love and support as we move upward and onward in our “kingdom building efforts.”
. It is a proven fact that we are “Waterproof, Fireproof and Living Proof” that God has constantly been with us as we now prepare to celebrate being the Church that was founded upon a rock 60 years ago.
Isaiah 43:2 When thou passeth through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee; when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
The past is history, the present is moving with challenges and the future overflows with hope and opportunities.
IT DOES NOT YET APPEAR WHAT WE SHALL BE BUT FOR NOW
TRINITY MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH IS STILL STANDING