OUR HISTORY
Testament of Hope Community Baptist Church (TOHCBC) was founded through the vision and leadership of Pastor T. O’Neal Crivens, Sr., who was divinely led to organize the church in the winter of 1991. After a season of prayer and preparation, the congregation held its first worship service on May 3, 1992, at the Hojo Inn on Elvis Presley Boulevard in Memphis, Tennessee. In its early years, the church relocated several times as it continued to grow and establish its ministry, meeting at locations including the Sanders Facility on Elvis Presley Boulevard and the “Mansion” on Central Avenue.
During these formative years, TOHCBC developed a strong commitment to community outreach, discipleship, and spiritual growth. Though small in membership, the church actively served the Memphis community through missions, youth initiatives, and support for families in nearby housing communities. These efforts reflected the church’s heart for meeting both the spiritual and practical needs of the people it served.
In July 2002, TOHCBC was blessed with a permanent home at 466 West Shelby Drive. Pastor Crivens faithfully shepherded the church until his retirement in October 2011. The congregation then elected Reverend Lemuel Russell, who had served as Assistant Pastor and had been mentored by Pastor Crivens for many years. Under Pastor Russell’s leadership, the church continued to expand its ministry, strengthen discipleship, and deepen its engagement with the surrounding community.
Following Pastor Russell’s passing in May 2024, the church entered a season of prayerful transition. On April 12, 2025, the congregation elected Pastor David Paul Harris as Senior Pastor. Officially hired on May 4, 2025, and installed on June 8, 2025, Pastor Harris now leads Testament of Hope Community Baptist Church as the church continues its mission of building community, serving others, and faithfully living out the Great Commission.
Because of them, we can.
Pastor T. O'Neal Crivens
Pastor Lemuel Russell
