Memorial Baptist Church

The Missionary Baptist Church was founded and organized one rainy day, April 1, 1976, at Cobb's Funeral Home, 151 Orchard Lake Road, under the leadership of Pastor John K. Pinckney. Baptist Church is an outgrowth of New Hope Baptist Church. Rev. Dr. J. L. Webb, Pastor of New Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Ferndale, Michigan was the moderator. Pastor Otis Floyd, along with other ministers and pastors from the Flint, Michigan Pastoral Alliance of the Wolverine Baptist Association were in attendance. Several ministers and pastors from the Pontiac area were also present. Welcome was formed with 54 -58 members in attendance. On April 5, 1976 Welcome Missionary Baptist Church held its first official Sunday Worship Service at Deb's Hall, at the corner of Orchard Lake Road and Johnson Street. During the first six (6) months, the membership expanded to approximately two hundred (200) members, making it necessary to obtain larger facilities. Due to the increase in membership, Missionary Baptist Church moved into the basement of Pontiac Opportunity Industrialization Center (Old Sears Building, 154 North Saginaw Street). With Pastor Pinckney's Administrative Leadership and planned program, the membership increased to approximately six hundred (600) members and twelve (12) supporting auxiliaries; each designed to administer God's program and to reach our goal. In 1983, an outgrowth of Welcome was Salem Baptist Church, founded by Rev. Theodore Smith. On August 11, 1985, we dedicated our cornerstone with the assistance of the Masons under the leadership of Pastor Pinckney. From 1985 to 1988, we continued to grow numerically and spiritually, with Rev. Lorenzo Fowlkes, Rev. Nicolas Dinkins, Rev. Kenneth Jackson and Rev. Billy Cabbil being called to preach. After twelve (12) years of leadership, on August 28, 1988, following the morning service, Pastor John K. Pinckney resigned, ending his service as Pastor. In spite of our loss, under the direction of our Chairman of the Deacon Board, Howard Cobb, God's leadership, guidance and prayers of other ministers and friends, we continued to worship and praise the Lord. The more we praised Him, the more He blessed us. We were without a Pastor, but not without a Shepherd. During our search for a Pastor, God sent us a Pastor after His own heart. The church voted on April 8, 1989 to call Rev. Douglas P. Jones of Cincinnati, Ohio as our Pastor. He accepted our call, and on June 18, 1989, was installed as Pastor of Missionary Baptist Church. Also, in 1989, Welcome gave rise to the New Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, as some members left to form a new fellowship. In 1992, the Lord blessed Welcome to purchase a church van, to resurface the parking lot behind the church as well as black top and fence in the annex lots. Lighting was installed in both lots. We purchased a Memorial Tree that was dedicated during the Church Anniversary. During each anniversary service, we offer prayer, give thanks and reflect back on those that labored here and went home to be with our Lord before us.