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In 1927, J.F. Armour and a few devoted people were looking for a location for prayer service to be held. A
sinner by the name of Mr. George Hamel at 3021 Martindale Avenue, accepted the plea for the meetings to
be held in his home. Saying “perhaps it may help me.”

On April 5, l927, the church was now organized with eleven members, called Hamel Grove.

In 1929, the church moved to 2306 Columbia Avenue where Rev. J. F. Armour resigned after serving two and
half years as pastor. The same year the church moved to 23rd and Martindale. Rev. William M. Green was
called to serve for a short term and was asked to resign.

In l930, Rev. S. W. Boaz, associate minister from New Bethel was asked to pastor for several months, and
then returned to his home church.

In 1932, Rev. E. D. Fuller became the pastor and being a pianist he organized the choir. Under his leadership,
in that same year, the name of the church changed to Greater St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church … a name
submitted by Sis. Ethel Hamel.

After Rev. Fuller resigned, Rev. Milton Jackson was called. An unfortunate accident occurred and a train
killed Rev. Jackson.

In 1932, the members moved to a new location at 21st and Yandes where Rev. O.C. Grooms was called as
the pastor. Rev. Grooms moved the church to l9th and Hovey Street and again to l9th and Sheldon Street.
After six years of pasturing, Rev. Grooms resigned.

In July of 1939 Rev. Augustus Mansfield Hughes was called. Under his leadership the “store front” was paid
off April 3, l944, and he presented a building program and the members accepted. The old storefront
building was vacated in l947. Our new edifice was well equipped with all modern facilities, which was a total
of $11,500.00.

On Sunday morning, December 30, l973 led by the pastor, we marched from 19th and Sheldon to 1703 East
30th Street to a second new church under Rev. Hughes leadership.

Rev Hughes led his flock faithfully for thirty-eight years until ill health prevented him from fulfilling his
pastoral duties in 1977.

Rev. James Arthur Patton was elected the first assistant pastor in the history of St. Luke Missionary Baptist
Church in 1977. In November 1978, he was elected to be the pastor.

In the year of 1981 Rev. Patton asked the members to relieve him of his pastoral duties because of a heart
condition.

While waiting for the calling of another pastor the officers and members agreed to elect Rev. Roger Ward as
Interim Pastor. Rev. Ward, very young in the ministry and only 30 years old, was an asset and an inspiration
to the congregation. Rev. Ward served as interim pastor for two years.

On Sunday, November 27, 1983, installation service was held for Rev. Vance. Rev. Vance was ordained in
April, l972. He pastored New Hope for eleven years; he graduated with a degree in Theology from
Crossroads Bible College, Farmland, Indiana.

Rev. Vance a man of both vision and leadership ability, following eight great pastors who did a great job in
laying a firm foundation and planting seeds for kingdom building, took on an enormous task as shepherd
over the flock at the age of 37.

The church became incorporated and in 1985, an Executive Board was organized.

Our membership continued to grow, the church was filled to capacity and there was no more room in the
aisles. Rev. Vance began two services on Easter Sunday, April 16 l995. The two services continued until
June 1, l997.

In 1997 the church at 1703 East 30th Street was sold to Victory Christian Center Church.

From June through August we worship services in public school #69 until the very first Sunday in August.
We had “St. Luke Family Day” Primo Banquet Hall and Conference Center East, - Ft. Harrison.

On Sunday August 10, 1997 we entered our new church with praise and thanksgiving. Our own beloved
pastor, Rev. Curtis Lee Vance, preached the sermon.

On September 14, 1997, the renowned, Rev. Dr. Jeffery A. Johnson and the Eastern Star Baptist Church
family rendered services of both congregations which overflowed the sanctuary, balcony, and hallways.

In the Year 2000, Pastor Vance revealed his vision of a Family Life Center by the Year 2002. The entire
membership, the Building Fund Committee, the auxiliaries, even the children are striving to make this vision
a reality.

St. Luke celebrated its 75th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee on June 8, 2002.
Thanking God for his grace and mercy we still have some members who have been with the church
throughout the years … Sis. Dessie Lee Williams, Deacon David Williams; Sis. Zella Bacon; Sis. Florence
Hampton; Sis. June Williams; and Sis. Earlene Johnson-Wafford.

“We’ve come this Far by Faith.”