Bishop John D. Ogletree, led by the Holy Spirit organized First Metropolitan Church in November 1986. There were 13 founding members: Evelyn Ogletree, Don and Ruth Caggins, Jewel Collins, Dorothy Hodge, Walter, and Drunnel Jackson, John and Carol Lewis, Frank and Bennie Ogletree, Beverly Trawick, and Paulette Westbrook. Reverend John D. Ogletree Jr. was the founding Pastor.
After holding the first services in Frank’s ABC Academy, the Congregation moved to a leased space at Desota Villa Shopping Center at 6305 Antoine.
Dow Location
Two years later, the church facility on 2 acres of land was purchased at 5249 Dow Road near Hollister and Highway 290 for $205,000. Major improvements took place on our property.
A Steering Committee for “Vision 2000” was formed to lead the congregation in planning for the future of the church. Members were invited to work as a team, sharing their best mutual judgment, visions, and prayers to advance the work and mission.
Dr. Herman Norman of Stewardship Designs was engaged to lead the church in a capital fundraising campaign. Over $544,000 was pledged for three years, over and above tithes and offerings to “Bold Faith for a Big Vision.” 25.2 acres of land was purchased for $252,000 along Beltway 8 in Northwest Houston.
The property at 5429 Dow Road was sold to Living Word Church. We moved to a temporary location, 5314 Bingle (“The Location Before THE LOCATION”).
Construction commenced on the Beltway. Dr. Norman was brought in for a second capital campaign. Loans were secured to commence the $1.4 million development of the beltway property.
Beltway Location
The Entrance and Dedication of the Family Life Center were held on June 28, 1998. Pastor Earl Abel of the Palestine Baptist Church in Kansas City, MO preached the entrance service. Rev. Bill Wooten joined the staff as Associate Pastor of Christian Development. The Infant Development Center and Academy commenced serving the community. A Multi-Dimensional Recreation Ministry was added offering basketball, Tae Kwon Do, and dance.
By 2000, the purchase of Redemption Ranch in Tomball for church retreats, meetings, and other events was completed. Pastor. Johnny Ogletree, III joined the staff as Associate Pastor of Community Life. The Vineyard Bookstore was opened. Two new ministries began: Empowered Resource Management and Business Services.
A full-blast effort was launched for our television ministry “Face to Face” to get the message out about First Met.
Our Redemption Community Development Corporation (RCDC) partnered with Harris County to build a community center.
In May of 2004, we began our sanctuary Capital Campaign “Taking Stake in the Future – For God, For Others, For Eternity” (Exodus 35:4-9)
2020 marks the celebration of 34 years of ministry under our dynamic leaders, Bishop John and Dr. Evelyn Ogletree.
We look forward to what God has planned for the next decades and beyond.