In the year of 1930, a group of dedicated and determined people who knew God and His promise to His people set out to unite the community of Fifth Ward in Houston, Texas and develop a pace of worship under the leadership of Reverend Jerome Harris. There only one deacon was appointed by the name of Deacon A. Smith. The building resided on the corner of Buck and Cage Street. They selected the name of Macedonia for the congregation. Space was limited at the time but with Gods’ blessings the congregation increased and the allotted space grew small, so they purchased additional accommodations for the congregation.
Due to the heath of Reverend Harris, the congregation selected Reverend W. T. Perry as their leader in 1932. They desired to buy the property on the corner of Buck and Cage from Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Munn. God spared the strength and courage to erect a small edifice to glorify His name. The name of the church was then changed from Macedonia to Zion Hill Baptist Church. In the year of 1949, God sent an angel to Carry Reverend B. J. Perry away. In the year of 1950, Reverend Curverson Lee Punch was called to administer strength and courage to this small congregation whose faith was shattered at the death of their beloved servant.
In May of 1955 because of the expansion by the City of Houston, the property was purchased by the Highway Department and the congregation moved to the Kashmere Gardens area, on the corner of Crane and Leffingwell where it is now located.
The pastor, officers, and members were greatly blessed with spiritual, numerical, and financial growth. Two years later in 1957, they accomplished the task of paying the mortgage off of this said building. In 1959, they enlarged the building to provide members with convenience that provided a more Christ-like atmosphere.
God’s goodness is one of the most uplifting inward feelings a group of Christians can possess. To grant the desires of one’s heart is indeed a blessing from God. It develops an appreciation of His awareness of Christian’s presence. All had prayed for the day we now celebrate. All have sacrificed time, money, and talent to enjoy the type of edifice we are now able to enjoy.
Through heartaches and pain, through trials and tribulations, through tithes and contributions, services, and dedication we can say “Thank you Jesus, for YOU have brought us from a might long way”. Because in 1967, God gave us added strength to “Walk the extra mile” in the enlargement of our building which exhibits beauty, praise, and spirit filled services.
In the year of 1980, the church Sanctuary was renovated and in 1987, further additions were added to the church to include offices in the up-stairs area, class rooms for the youth, and the men and ladies’ restrooms were enlarged. In 1996, the fellowship hall was renovated to include a library, class rooms and a nursery for the children.
In the year of 1993, Reverend Lewis Terry, Jr. was selected Pastor of the church due to the illness of Reverend C. L. Punch. At that time, Reverend Punch became Pastor Emeritus. Reverend Curverson L. Punch was called from labor to reward in 1995. Reverend Terry resigned in 1996 and in 1997, Reverend Stan K. Lewis, Sr. was selected to lead the flock. Reverend Stan K. Lewis left the flock in 1999. May of 1999, the church dedicated a memorial plaque honoring Rev. Dr. C.L. Punch on the outter wall of the fellowship hall. In March of 2000, Reverend Mark Anthony Edwards was selected to lead the flock and installed as the Pastor in August of this same year.
After 17 years, the Reverend Mark Anthony Edwards and Zion Hill parted ways August 31, 2017. During this transitional period, Zion Hill has been operating under the Guidance of the Holy Spirit with leadership from the Board of Deacons and Trustees with Spiritual Food from various Pastors and Ministers. In February of 2018, Zion Hill MBC was blessed to benefit from a restoration grant offered by the Samaritan’s Purse Foundation. This grant allotted for a complete restoration of our worship facilities spanning from top to bottom with a new roof, foundation and flooring, structural stability, HVAC overhaul, and Fellowship Hall refurbishment. GOD has truly blessed our association with Samaritan’s Purse and we were able to complete our Church Restoration in January of 2020. We continue to operate under the divine administration and guidance of the Holy Spirit; with a continued mission of offering salvation and restoration to GOD’s people in and around the Houston Area.