Ship of Zion's Story

 

Rev. Harley Como was the founding pastor of the Ship of Zion Missionary Baptist Church. He acknowledged his calling to the ministry on August 20, 1949 and was ordained on September 20, 1950. On October 1, 1951, Rev. Como, Bro. Jessie W. Wilson, Sis. Josephine Wilson, and Lottie Como united to organize a church with service held in the home of Bro. and Sis. Wilson located in the Third Ward. The name, “Ship of Zion Missionary Baptist Church”, was submitted by Sis. Como and adopted by the other members. The church’s initial location was on the corner of Conti and Roswell located in the Fifth Ward area. Due to freeway construction, the church relocated to 3227 Elgin St. which was renamed Beulah Street in the Third Ward. Bro. Jessie Wilson served as both a deacon and the first superintendent of Sunday School. The property at 3623 Francis Street at Milby was purchased from Mrs. Settegast. A white frame building was erected. Rev. Como pastored until June 1, 1971 when he was called from labor to reward.

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Other ministers who served were Pastor Jesse W. Wilson (Acting Pastor/June 1971 - October 1971), Rev. W. M. Marshall (Pastor/1972 – 1973), Rev. Clyde H. Woodson (Pastor/1973 – 1976), Rev. Albert Simmons (Acting Pastor/July 1976 – March 1977).

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Rev. Roland E. Mouton, Sr. was called to pastor the church on March 6, 1978. Under his leadership, the church was inspired to erect a new structure at 3623 Francis Street. The original structure was donated to the Independent Missionary Baptist General Association campsite in Kendleton, Texas. Rev. Mouton pastored until 1991.

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Rev. John D. Godfrey was called to pastor in June 1992. During his tenure, the church relocated due to the expansion at the University of Houston. In June 1993, the church purchased the property at its current location 4919 Mallow Street in Sunnyside. An additional wing was built to house classrooms, offices, and a fellowship hall. Rev. Godfrey pastored until November 1995.

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Rev. Albert Thompson was called to Pastor on March 12, 1997. During his tenure the mortgage that was secured to complete the parking lot was burned, a new public address system was installed, and new office equipment was purchased. Rev. Thompson pastored until May 4, 2001.

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On December 11, 2002, Rev. Franklin Hall was called to pastor the church. Under his leadership, several ministries were added or expanded. Rev. Hall pastored until May 23, 2006.

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Rev. Eddie L. Thomas was called to pastor the church on February 20, 2007. Under his leadership the church expanded the music department to include a percussionist. He expanded the ministry such as the Prison Ministry and Christian Marriage Ministry. The church replaced the tables and chairs in the Fellowship Hall and the adjacent property was bought. Reverend Thomas pastored until November 2014.

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Rev M. A. Ball was called to pastor the church on May 27, 2015. Under his leadership, several ministries were restructured and revamped. Rev. Ball pastored until June 2018.

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After much prayer and fasting by the members for the next spiritual leader, “A man after God’s own heart”, on March 24, 2019, the Lord called Reverend George Westly Jackson to be the 10th pastor of the Ship of Zion Missionary Baptist Church. Pastor Jackson has been led by the Holy Spirit in restructuring the Mission Ministry, Sunday Church School Ministry, a developing Media Ministry, created our church logo, implementing our Church motto, and instrumental in guiding the church to be unite in mid-day prayer. Pastor Jackson and the Ship of Zion MBC look forward in faith to serve in this present age as the Holy Spirit unfolds the future to do greater works in the name of Jesus.