In 1916 a small group gathered for worship. This was the humble beginning of the First Baptist Institutional Church. It began in a home on Goodson Street. These Christians yearned for a spiritual connection. Many newcomers to Detroit lacked church affiliation. Their need spurred action.
The First Baptist Institutional Church wasn’t always on West Seven Mile Road. It started small. It moved from a home to a garage. Finally lots were purchased on Mitchell Street. Reverend S R Richards led the effort. He personally dug the first spade of dirt for the church building.
Construction began in 1922 under Reverend S G Guinn. The Prince Hall Lodge laid the cornerstone. Tragically Reverend Guinn died in 1923. Reverend H H Coleman took over. A dispute led to the creation of another First Baptist Church. To avoid confusion Reverend Coleman renamed the Mitchell Street church First Baptist Institutional Church. The new name stuck. The church building on Mitchell Street was completed in 1927.
The Great Depression tested the church’s faith. Under Reverend Benjamin H Wright they paid off a $60000 mortgage. They celebrated this victory by burning the mortgage papers in 1943. Reverend Wright’s leadership proved invaluable.
Several pastors followed. Each contributed to the church’s growth. Improvements were made. A parsonage was purchased. New stained glass windows were installed. A new public address system boosted the church experience.
In 1969 Reverend Howard B M Fauntroy Jr moved the congregation. They relocated to the current location on West Seven Mile Road. This move was a bold step of faith. It proved successful. Membership grew to over 1400. They burned another mortgage in 1983.
Reverend Fauntroy Jr had a powerful vision. He wanted the church to be a community center. This vision led to the construction of a new building. This building cost $3.2 million. It served the community for decades.
His son Reverend Howard B M Fauntroy III continued the work. He addressed urban decay. Programs were created to aid at-risk youth. The First Baptist Institutional Church has always been dedicated to service.
In 2018 history was made. Reverend Dr Robyn Diane Moore became the first female pastor. This was a milestone in the church’s history. She continues to strengthen the church and community. The church now boasts a resource center. It assists and promotes community growth. The First Baptist Institutional Church continues to flourish. This remarkable church has weathered many storms. Its commitment to faith remains steadfast. Its dedication to service continues. The First Baptist Institutional Church stands as a testament to perseverance and faith.