“What makes Greater Little Rock Missionary Church special?” you might wonder. Let’s journey back to the origins of Little Rock Missionary Baptist Church. It began in April 1936. A small group of six worshipers gathered. They met in the home of Brother and Sister Hooks on East Willis Street in Detroit.
In that modest Christian home, their faith grew. The Word of God guided them. Love inspired their fellowship. As membership increased, they needed a larger space. The congregation moved to a new building at 3734 Russell Street. Reverend Robert E. Tate led them until his death in 1953.
In 1954, Reverend Theodore R. Provost became the pastor. Under his leadership, the church moved to 7639 Mack Avenue. He served until 1959 before moving to California.
The church experienced changes in leadership throughout the next decade. Reverend Walter L. La Beaux of San Antonio, Texas, pastored from 1960 to 1962. Then, Reverend John Bussell led the congregation from 1963 to 1967. In 1968, Reverend Clarence L. Townsell was called. Under his guidance, the church relocated to 4903 Maxwell Street.
Reverend Jim Holley became the pastor of Little Rock Missionary Baptist Church in 1972. After seven years, the church moved to its current location at 9000 Woodward Avenue in 1979. This neo-gothic building had previously housed the Central Woodward Christian Church.
Reverend Holley’s leadership caused the church to thrive. The congregation grew. In 1987, the mortgage was paid off. A major renovation followed in 1990. New stained-glass windows were installed. The pastor’s office, choir loft, and other areas were improved.
Two original windows depicted George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Detroit artist A. Kay Herbert designed them. In 1990-1991, the golden opalescent windows were replaced. Traditional stained glass showed “The Stations of the Cross,” “The Twelve Apostles,” and “Church Ministries.”
“The African American Pulpit Window” reflects the church’s changing identity. Artists Daniel Cicchelli and Dawn Sinkovich collaborated with Rev. Holley. They created portraits of Black ministers. These included Rev. Richard Allen, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rev. C.L. Franklin, and Rev. James Holley.
Today, Greater Little Rock Missionary Church continues its mission. It strives to win souls for Christ. Its history is a testament to faith, growth, and community service. The church’s journey reflects its commitment to spreading the Good News. It shows its dedication to serving its members and the wider world.