About Us

The Welcome Missionary Baptist Church was founded and organized one rainy day, April 1, 1976, at Cobb's Funeral Home, located at 151 Orchard Lake Road, under the leadership of Pastor John K. Pickney. Welcome Baptist Church is an outgrowth of New Hope Baptist Church.

Rev. Dr. C. L. Webb, pastor of New Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Ferndale, MI, was the moderator. Pastor Otis Floyd, along with other ministers and pastors from Flint, MI Pastoral Alliance of the Wolverine Baptist Associaton were in attendance. Several ministers and pastors from the Pontiac area were also present. Welcome Baptist Church was formed with fifty-four (54) members in attendance.

On April 4, 1976, Welcome Missionary Baptist Church held its first official Sunday worship service at Deb's Hall.

During the first six (6) months, the membership expanded to approximately two-hundred (200) members making it necessary to obtain larger facilities. Due to the increase in membership, Welcome Baptist Church moved into the basement of Pontiac Opportunity Indstrialization Center. With Pasotre Pinckney's administrative leadership and planned program, the membership increased to approximately six-hundred (600) and twelve (12) supporting auxiliaries; each designed to administer God's program to reach our goal.

From 1985 to 1988, we continued to grow numerically and spirtually with Rev. Lorenzo Fowlkes, Rev. Nicolas Dinkins, Rev. Kenneth Jackson, and Rev. Billy Cabbil being called to preach.

After twelve (12) years of leadership, on August 28, 1988, Pastor John K. Pinckney resigned. In spite of our loss, under the new direction of our Deacon Board Chairman, Howard Cobb, God's leadership, guidance, and prayers of other ministers and friends, we continued to worship and praise the Lord. The more we praised Him, the more He blessed us. We were without a Pastor-but not without a shepherd.

During our search for a pastor, God sent us a pastor after His own heart. The church voted on April 8, 1989 to call Rev. Douglas P. Jones as our Pastor. He accepted our call and on June 18, 1989 was installed as Pastor of Welcome Missionary Baptist Church.

Pastor Jones gave us a general theme and vision of spiritual growth to lead us into the 21st Century and growing spiritually we are! More Bible Study classes have been added for all ages and all times. The anointing spirit of God has touched many of us, giving us a desire to do more in His name. A spirit of love, hope, forgiveness and hunger for the Word is exalted in us daily.

On August 15, 2000 our many prayers were answered as the contractors began work on our long-awaited building project! To God be the glory. Our new edifice is scheduled for completion in approximately 18 months.

Having the spirit of God upon us, we continue to reach a level of high praise and committed service. We joy in everything the Lord has and continues to do here at Welcome Missionary Baptist Church. For the eyes hath not seen, nor the ear heard, neither has it entered the mind of man what God has in store for us as we walk by faith with belief in His vision.