Little Rock Missionary Baptist Church

Can a church building whisper tales of transformation? Here at Little Rock Missionary Baptist Church, the stones themselves seem to hum with stories. Little Rock Missionary Baptist Church began humbly in 1936. A small group of six faithful worshippers, including the Hooks and Robinson families, and Mothers Brown and Gaillard, gathered in a home on East Willis Street. Their faith resonated, their numbers grew, and soon the small home couldn’t contain their devotion. Little Rock Missionary Baptist Church moved to Russell Street, then to Mack Avenue, searching for a space to match their expanding congregation. In 1969, they found a home on Maxwell Street. This location marked a period of significant growth under the leadership of Reverend Jim Holley, who joined the church in 1972. The congregation outgrew the Maxwell Street location. In 1978, they found their current grand home on Woodward Avenue. Interestingly, this magnificent neo-Gothic structure was originally the Central Woodward Christian Church. This church, designed by George D. Mason and Co., opened in 1928. Little Rock Missionary Baptist Church’s move here marked a significant transition, not just for the congregation, but for the building itself. The church underwent extensive renovations, including the addition of stunning stained-glass windows. These windows, depicting the “Stations of the Cross”, “The Twelve Apostles”, and “Church Ministries,” add a vibrant layer of artistry to the historical architecture. One window, “The African American Pulpit Window”, tells a powerful story. It portrays influential Black ministers, including Rev. Richard Allen, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rev. C.L. Franklin, and Reverend Holley himself. This window symbolizes the transformation of the building and the rich history of Little Rock Missionary Baptist Church. The church continues to thrive. It has served as a beacon of faith and community for generations, its story echoing within these historic walls.