New Mount Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church

In 1960, New Mount Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church found a new home. It was a grand building, formerly the Beth David Synagogue. This move marked a significant chapter in the church’s history. New Mount Pisgah’s journey began decades earlier, in 1919. Under the leadership of Reverend Major Baldwin, the church started in a humble storefront. They later moved to a larger space on Leland and Riopelle streets, led by Reverend F.H. Howard. Reverend James S. Williams Sr. took the helm in 1926. He guided the growing congregation to yet another new home, the former Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church. Tragedy struck just weeks after the move. A bomb detonated inside the church, causing extensive damage. Despite this act of violence, the church persevered. They rebuilt and continued to thrive under Reverend Williams’ leadership. The move to the former Beth David Synagogue in 1960 wasn’t just a relocation. It symbolized the changing demographics of Detroit. As the Jewish community moved to the suburbs, the African American community grew in the city. New Mount Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church became a cornerstone of this growing community. The former synagogue, with its Romanesque and Neo-Byzantine architecture, offered a unique space. The church preserved much of the original design. The stained-glass windows, decorative plaster, and even the color scheme remained. They adapted the space for Christian worship, adding a choir stand and baptismal pool. They even modified a medallion depicting the Tablets of the Law to include a cross. New Mount Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church continued to grow and serve the community under Reverend James L. Newby III. An educational wing was added in 1996. The church remained a steadfast presence in the neighborhood, even as other institutions moved. Today, New Mount Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church stands as a testament to resilience and community. Its story is interwoven with the history of Detroit. It’s a story of growth, perseverance, and the power of faith. It is more than just a building. It is a symbol of hope and a vibrant center of community life.