Ready to uncover the story of a church with deep roots and a wide reach? We are standing before Ward Evangelical Presbyterian Church. This church is not just a local landmark. It is a testament to faith, growth, and community.
Ward Evangelical Presbyterian Church started its journey on May 1, 1956. The first gathering was held in the Lincoln School in Livonia. The church quickly grew and moved to Farmington and 6 Mile in 1960.
Expansion was a constant theme for Ward Church. In 1972, a sanctuary was opened with 1100 seats. Then in 1978, Knox Hall, the Calvin Room, and spaces for children’s and student ministries were added. Ward Church wasn’t content with just growing itself. It planted three daughter churches. Trinity Presbyterian Church in Plymouth was established in 1979. Grace Chapel in Farmington Hills followed in 1983. Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in Brighton was planted in 1986.
Ward Church played a key role in forming the Evangelical Presbyterian Church denomination. It withdrew from the United Presbyterian Church. This decision underscored its commitment to a biblically based fellowship.
In 1983, Ward Church purchased land at its current location. This is at 6 Mile and Haggerty in Northville Township. The new building was completed in March 1998. In 2022, Ward Church expanded again. A second campus opened in Farmington Hills. It was located at the corner of 12 Mile Road and Halsted. Interestingly, this building was once Grace Chapel. Grace Chapel was a daughter church of Ward. In the winter of 2022, the two churches decided to merge. This created Ward Church Farmington Hills.
Dr. Bartlett L Hess was the founding pastor. He served from 1956 to 1992. Several pastors followed including Rev. Mark Brewer, Perry Mobley, and Dr. James McGuire. Since February 2009, Rev. Scott McKee has been the senior pastor.
Ward Church has a clear mission. It desires to love its neighbors both near and far. This is done by being intentional in word and deed. The church is affiliated with the EPC. This is a global movement of Evangelical Presbyterian Churches.
Did you know that Ward Church once had campuses in Detroit and Livonia? Back then Dr. Hess would preach in Detroit and his wife Margaret would drive him to the suburbs. There he would give the sermon a second time.
Today, Ward Church offers traditional and contemporary Sunday services. You can attend services in Northville and Farmington Hills. Ward Church continues to evolve. It adapts to meet the needs of its growing congregation. Its history is a testament to its enduring commitment to faith. It is a beacon of hope in the community. Ward Evangelical Presbyterian Church remains a place where faith and community intertwine.