Underneath the Detroit sky stands True Love Missionary Baptist Church. Its story begins not in grandeur but in a small home. In 1942 Reverend Moses Small opened his doors. A small mission started at 5218 Roosevelt Street. This humble beginning included a handful of devoted souls. Reverend Glover Brother Cherry Miller and others joined Reverend Small.
This small mission blossomed into True Love Missionary Baptist Church. It moved to 5126 Roosevelt Street. Sister Clara Miller suggested the name. A fitting title for a church built on faith and community. Reverend J S Murray became its first pastor.
Reverend Ernest N Cox arrived in 1943. He and his wife Martha arrived from Rising Arkansas. Their dedication transformed the church. Membership grew from eight to forty-seven. Pastor Cox led a fundraising drive. They purchased land at 2927 West Warren Avenue for $7500.
The church thrived. Auxiliaries formed including a Sunday school and choirs. A quadruple church fellowship developed. Warren Avenue Messiah New Liberty and later Oakland Avenue Baptist Churches joined.
Rapid growth necessitated a larger space. On December 4 1955 the congregation moved. Their new home was a former Lutheran church at 3987 Maybury Grand. The purchase cost $80000. This building even included a school auditorium cafeteria and a bowling alley. The Excelsior Choir and a Pastor’s Chorus were added.
Eleven years later city progress forced another move. The Fisher and Jeffries Freeways were built. True Love Missionary Baptist Church relocated. Pastor Cox and a committee chose 8200 Tireman for a new church. They built it from the ground up for $168000. Services were temporarily held at 5050 Joy Road.
On November 26 1967 the congregation celebrated. They moved into their new building at 8200 Tireman. Pastor Cox’s first sermon was titled “Upon this Rock I’ll Build My Church”. It was a time of continued growth and spiritual renewal. Pastor Cox served until April 19 1970.
Reverend Herbert B Robinson Sr took the helm in September 1970. His leadership brought further expansion and spiritual enrichment. The Seven Weeks of Prayer became a cherished tradition. The Sunday school tripled in size and departmentalized. A Child Care Center served the community.
Numerous ministries flourished under Pastor Robinson’s guidance. A Board of Christian Education was formed. The church continued to expand. Additional properties were acquired. The church plant underwent complete renovations including a new library classrooms and a ladies’ lounge.
Throughout its history True Love Missionary Baptist Church has demonstrated resilience. Its members have shown unwavering faith. It’s a testament to the power of community and the enduring spirit of Detroit. The church continues its mission. It strives to spread love and faith in the city and beyond. This is True Love Missionary Baptist Church a story of faith perseverance and unwavering love.