How incredible it is to know that Star of Hope Baptist Church was part of God's plan before the foundations of the world were laid! As time moved forward, Charles Ellis Henderson was born, followed not long after by E.K. Bailey, and eventually, the Star of Hope Baptist Church.

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In his pursuit of a Black college experience, Pastor Henderson moved from Denver, Colorado, to Dallas, Texas, to attend Bishop College. There, he met Pastor Bailey, and they quickly became close friends and roommates. Pastor Bailey was later called to lead Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, and Pastor Henderson's spiritual journey deepened as he joined Mt. Carmel. Over the next twenty years, Pastor Henderson grew in faith, church structure, and decorum, receiving invaluable education in church planting and growth. Like Timothy under Paul, he faithfully served, until God called him to his own mission.

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Settling in DeSoto, Texas, Pastor Henderson found that there was no Black church in the area. Though he received invitations to interview with other churches, God had a different plan. He approached local ministers for recommendations to the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), believing they could support his vision for Christian education and church establishment in DeSoto. The ministers endorsed him, and after presenting his proposal, the SBC offered an astounding twenty acres of land and $100,000. However, their contract included a clause stating that if the church ever left the SBC, all funds and land would revert back to them. Unwilling to compromise the church's future, Pastor Henderson refused to sign, despite mounting pressure.

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During this uncertain time, the congregation met at a Holiday Inn, praying for a permanent place of worship. One evening, after feeling particularly weary, Pastor Henderson was led by the Holy Spirit to visit Calvary Baptist Church, pastored by Rev. Royce Thornall. At the end of the service, Rev. Thornall addressed his congregation, stating that Pastor Henderson was being pressured to sign an unfair contract. He then stepped down from the pulpit, walked to the back of the church, removed the master key from his ring, and handed it to Pastor Henderson, offering their church for worship—free of charge! The congregation wholeheartedly supported the decision, and Calvary even provided Star of Hope with essentials like computers and a piano. Though grateful, Pastor Henderson knew this was not their final home.

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One day, he noticed a restaurant for rent with an option for ownership. Seeing its potential for conversion into a church, he consulted church members and met with the real estate company. Everything seemed promising, but when he shared the plan with Sister Marion Goady, she posed a pivotal question: “Pastor, have we been praying for a restaurant or a church?” She urged him to find the right building and claim it in faith.

Acting on this, Pastor Henderson and his family—his wife Margaret, and children Charles Jr., Eric, Chris, and Greg—began praying over a property at 820 Peggs. The owners were asking for an amount far beyond their means. During negotiations, the Holy Spirit prompted Pastor Henderson to ask how they had acquired the property. When they revealed that it had been given to them, Pastor Henderson was inspired and began singing, “It is no secret what God can do. What He’s done for others, He’ll do for you!” Although the owners initially declined their offer, Pastor Henderson, undeterred, told them not to sell to another church, believing that God had a plan.

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Meanwhile, Pastor Henderson remained steadfast in his work. One day, his son Gregory insisted that his father attend a wedding. Though Pastor initially planned to drop Greg off, Greg insisted he stay. At the wedding, Pastor noticed a minister sitting alone and introduced himself. The minister, Bishop C.C. Berry, inquired about Star of Hope’s search for a church building. When Pastor explained their struggle, Bishop Berry revealed that he specialized in property acquisition. He set up a meeting with Dr. Faulkner, the property’s key decision-maker. During the meeting, Bishop Berry compared the situation to pulling a difficult tooth—challenging but possible. Within twenty minutes, Pastor Henderson left with a contract to lease the property—without a single dollar in hand! By God's grace, thirty-five years later, Star of Hope is still standing strong.

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On March 13, 1989, Star of Hope Baptist Church was formally organized with ten charter members. Sister Henderson soon established the Children's Ministry, which has since provided countless children with a strong foundation in the Lord. Additionally, Star of Hope holds the distinction of being the first Black church in DeSoto, and from its legacy, the Concerned DeSoto Citizens (CDC) was born.

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We are grateful to God for all He has done and look forward to continuing His work until He calls us home!

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In His Service,
Pastor Charles Henderson, Sr.