On July 24, 1953, a group of baptized believers in Christ met at 1803 North Arsenal Avenue for the purpose of organizing a Baptist Church. After much counsel and prayer, the Zion Hope Baptist Church was organized under the leadership of Rev. Roosevelt Mumford, Pastor and Rev. E.T. Johnson Sr., Moderator. Other members were: Sis. Eleanor Mumford, Secretary, Sis. Sarah Mumford, Bro. Roosevelt Mumford, Jr., Bro. John Scott, Bro. Walter Scott, Sis. Beatrice Hill, Bro. & Sis. Mallory, Sis. Mildred Clark, Deacon and Sis. West and Sis. Mary Mumford. The original properties were paid for on September 3, 1956. Construction of a new edifice began on two lots adjacent to the original site. Rev. Mumford went home to be with the Lord on December 25, 1963 before the new structure was completed. He will always be remembered for his great pastoral works and for his special friendship and concern for his members.

Rev. Paul Montgomery, Associate Minister and Deacon Johnny Lytle, Chairman of the Deacon Board continued the work of the Church and the structure of the new building during the interim without a pastor. On August 17, 1964, Rev. Percy C. Owens was called as Pastor of Zion Hope. The Church continued to experience growth under his pastorate. On January 22, 1967, the church celebrated the completion and dedication of the new building at 2301 North Arsenal Avenue. In December 1969, new furniture was purchased as well. On January 19, 1972, Rev. Owens resigned the pastorate after eight years of service.

Rev. Dr. James S. Wells was called to pastor Zion Hope on August 17, 1972. During his pastorate, the church burned the existing mortgage. In the ensuing years, the prolific increase of membership created the necessity for a new facility. In 1979, Zion Hope purchased our present facility at 5950 E 46th Street, the former Devington Baptist Church. The acquisition of the new facility made it possible for the realization of Dr. Wells' and Zion Hope's vision for ministry in the African-American community. In 1983, Zion Hope Christian School opened its doors to provide education to meet the needs of African-American children, nursery through sixth grade. Other ministries born under Dr. Wells pastorate include: Rev. Claude Robinson, Greater Northwest Baptist Church; Rev. Leon Porter, Traveler's Rest Baptist Church; and Rev. Rodney Coffer, Second Baptist Church in Vincennes, Indiana. Under the leadership of Dr. Wells, The Baptist Bible College (now Crossroads Bible College) was also established. Rev. Dr. James S. Wells went home to be with the Lord on September 10, 1987 after many sterling accomplishments.

Rev. Brian J. Wells, son of Dr. James Wells, was called as Pastor in September of 1987. Under his leadership, the church continued to progress. With emphasis on education, African Christian heritage, history, culture and the liberating gospel of Jesus Christ, the Zion Hope Baptist Church marched on toward responsibility and empowerment of black people to inherit the Kingdom of God. The Dr. James S. Wells Memorial Library was dedicated in 1993. Zion Hope Christian School made great strides and became recognized as one of the finest schools of its kind in our city. Rev. Brian Wells tendered his resignation in August of 2000 when God called him to another mission. For almost two years, we searched for a pastor under the leadership of Rev. James P. Smith, Interim Pastor, (1 year) and Associate Ministers, Rev. John Foster and Rev. Lewis Peterson and Deacon Byron Mumford, Sr., Chairman of the Deacon Board. Despite the difficulties that a church faces without a pastor, God protected us through this interim until another pastor was called.

Rev. David A. Hampton was called as pastor in September of 2002! Pastor Hampton was an anointed preacher, teacher and visionary with a love for the people of God. His emphasis was on "being spiritual", not religious. Under his leadership, and by God's grace, there was a significant increase in membership. A number of new ministries were developed, and the EQUIP School of Ministry bible institute opened in September 2006. On May 12, 2007 Pastor Hampton received his Doctor of Divinity degree from Christian Theological Seminary. Pastor Hampton resigned the pastorate on November 30, 2007 to assume a pastorate in Brooklyn, New York.

As we awaited the calling of a new shepherd, the work of the Lord continued under the leadership of Deacon Board Chairman, Deacon Richard Cooper and the preaching of Ministers, Rev. Filmore Artis, Rev. Sean Foster, Minister Lisa Holland, Rev. Thomas Johnson, Rev. Eddie Ragland and for a brief time Minister Betty Spraggins. On June 7, 2009 Rev. John Anthony McGee, Jr. (Tony McGee) was voted in as our pastor elect. He assumed the pastorate on August 2, 2009. An anointed preacher and teacher of the gospel, Pastor McGee came to Zion Hope after serving as a minister at Eastern Star Church, under the leadership of Senior Pastor, Jeffrey A. Johnson, Sr. We are excited to see what God has in store for Zion Hope as we continue to serve God, Zion Hope and this community.