New Welcome Missionary Baptist Church

Can a name truly reflect a church’s essence? At New Welcome Missionary Baptist Church, the answer is a resounding yes. New Welcome Missionary Baptist Church extends a warm embrace to all who enter. Its very name speaks volumes about the spirit within. New Welcome Missionary Baptist Church isn’t just a building; it’s a vibrant tapestry woven from faith, resilience, and community. The church’s journey began on a rainy April day in 1976. Under the leadership of Pastor John K. Pinckney, a group of believers gathered at Cobb’s Funeral Home on Orchard Lake Road, giving birth to New Welcome Missionary Baptist Church. This new fellowship emerged from New Hope Baptist Church, with the support of Rev. Dr. J. L. Webb and other ministers from the Flint and Pontiac areas. Starting with around 55 members, their first official service took place at Deb’s Hall, at the corner of Orchard Lake and Johnson. Within six months, their numbers swelled to nearly 200, prompting a move to the basement of the Pontiac Opportunity Industrialization Center on North Saginaw Street. By 1983, under Pastor Pinckney’s guidance, they had grown to approximately 600 members and twelve auxiliaries, and even birthed a new church: Salem Baptist Church. Their growth continued, and in 1985, they dedicated their cornerstone. The church also fostered new preachers, with Rev. Lorenzo Fowlkes, Rev. Nicolas Dinkins, Rev. Kenneth Jackson, and Rev. Billy Cabbil all answering the call. After 12 years of dedicated service, Pastor Pinckney resigned in 1988. Under the guidance of Deacon Board Chairman Howard Cobb, the church persevered, finding their next shepherd in Rev. Douglas P. Jones of Cincinnati, Ohio, who was installed in 1989. That same year, some members left to form New Mt. Moriah Baptist Church. New Welcome Missionary Baptist Church continued to flourish, purchasing a church van, resurfacing the parking lot, and dedicating a Memorial Tree. They even embraced technology, acquiring their first computer and printer. The spirit of progress continued as they hired DH Architects, Inc. for an expansion project. New Welcome Missionary Baptist Church has witnessed incredible growth, both spiritually and numerically. The church has also extended its reach globally, supporting missionaries in Australia, Brazil, Eastern Europe, and Africa. Locally, they support organizations like Nannie Helen Burroughs, New Bethel Shelter, HAVEN, Lighthouse, and the Rescue Mission.