Peace Baptist Church was organized on January 9, 1921, by Reverend Freeman Boyd Banks at the home of Mrs. L. B. Hooks of Mackay Street. The site of the Church was a hall at 1618 East Davison Avenue. Thirteen people were present joined the church that day. Three presented letters and ten joined by Christian Experience. This information was furnished by Brother T. A. Attles, one of the chartered members. The Church worshiped in that hall for seven months, then moved to a tent on Grant Street and remained there for five months. The Church then purchased a lot and built a wooden frame building on Goddard Street, the present site of the church. Reverend Banks remained pastor until 1924.

 

In August of 1924, Reverend Lee T. Clay was called to the pastorate of Peace Baptist Church. Reverend Clay and his wife, Ruby Clay faithfully served as Peace’s first family for nearly 41 years. Under Pastor Clay’s leadership, the Church purchased an adjoining lot and erected the first brick unit, which is presently the lower level of the existing building. The cornerstone was laid on July 24, 1927. The congregation marched into the new building the first Sunday in October 1927 singing, “Onward Christian Soldiers.” This first unit was cleared of all debt on Sunday January 17, 1943. A “Mortgage Burning” celebration was held. With the possession of the new brick building, the membership and offering steadily increased. 

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Thirty-one years later, the upper level was completed. On Sunday, March 16, 1958, Peace Baptist Church held its last worship service in the downstairs sanctuary. On the following Sunday, March 23, 1958, they joyously marched into the new “superstructure” singing, “We’re Marching to Zion.” The newly completed Peace Baptist Church sanctuary was dedicated debt free.

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On July 1, 1965, at the age of 77 years old, Pastor Lee T. Clay passed away having given nearly 41 years of service as the pastor of Peace Baptist Church. On February 4, 1966, a special church meeting was held to call a pastor. Two candidates were recommended, Rev. Lawrence Alexander and Reverend Frank Jones. However, upon a motion by Mrs. Bertha Farr, Reverend Stacy Williams was nominated from the floor. After a vote was held, Dr. A. A. Banks, Jr., the moderator, declared the vote supported Rev. Stacy Williams and Deacon Perry Parks then made a motion that Reverend Stacy Williams become pastor and the motion was seconded by Dr. James A. Fanning. The motion was carried unanimously, and Reverend Stacy Williams became the third pastor of Peace Baptist Church.

Reverend Williams was a product of Peace Baptist Church and had been baptized by Reverend Lee T. Clay in 1937. He and his wife Elnora and their three children moved to Detroit from South Richmond, Virginia where he served as Pastor of the Swansboro Baptist Church. Under Dr. Williams twenty-one-year administration, the church purchased and furnished a parsonage; seven houses, nine lots, a pipe organ, two Hammond Organs, a new church van, a commercial refrigerator and gas stove, and 500 hymnals, and the membership grew to over 800 members. 

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On Sunday, July 3, 1988, after preaching a sermon entitled, “What Evangelism Is,” Pastor Williams died of a massive stroke. Dr. Williams pastured Peace Baptist Church for 22 years. On May 9, 1989, a motion was made from the floor to call Rev. Ronald F. Turner I, as pastor-elect of Peace Baptist Church. The motion was carried unanimously, and the church initiated the call. On Sunday, July11, Reverend Turner accepted the call and preached his acceptance sermon, “No Need to Look any Further.” Reverend Turner, his wife, Michelle, and two children, Ronisha, and Ronald, II, came to Peace Baptist Church from Mt. Olive Baptist Church of Wicomico, Virginia. Terron, their third child, was born in Detroit.

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Under Pastor Turner’s leadership, Peace experienced and explosion of love and several ministries. His ministries included a youth ministry, children’s church, senior’s ministry, Boys to Men, women’s ministry, tape ministry, Community Development Corporation, purchased three houses, and eight parking lots, and last but not least, erected a newly constructed Educational Building at a cost of One Million Dollars. Dr. Turner preached his last sermon as pastor on Sunday, August 28, 2005, to begin his new journey as a non-denominational pastor.

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Upon Pastor Turner’s departure from Peace Baptist Church, Deacon Roosevelt Banks and Rev. Maxine Early worked collaboratively to ensure that the Church continued to move forward in Christian love. They worked with all the ministries to help fulfill the spiritual needs of God’s people. The Church fervently prayed for God to send them a pastor after “His” own heart according to the Scripture, “And I will give you Pastors after my own heart which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.” Jeremiah 3:15.

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On December 10, 2006, Rev. David L. Jefferson accepted the call to Pastor Peace Baptist Church. He is married to Lady Roxanne, and they have two sons, Kyle and David II, and two grandsons, Kyle II and Kamden. He preached his first sermon as Pastor on December 31, 2006.  Pastor Jefferson is a teacher and preacher who has a heart for God and His people. Peace has grown spiritually under his leadership. With Thursday morning and evening Bible classes in place, he broadened the scope of bible class and a named it Family Bible Hour and had classes for all ages. Pastor Jefferson implemented several new ministries including Pastoral Care, Armor Bearers, Intercessors, Young Adult Ministry, Couple’s Ministry, Children’s Church, Belayers Book Ministry, Men’s Bible Class, Daughters of Promise Women’s Ministry. As well as Women to Women, Peace Girls Rock and C.R.E.W. (Christian Ready Equipped and Willing) Youth Ministry.

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Pastor Jefferson preaches, teaches, and lives the Word of God. We bless God for sending us a man of God that has concern for the people of God and who continues to lead and guide Peace Baptist Church into our god-ordained purpose.

 

 

Under Pastor Jefferson’s leadership, we are a church.. “Where the Spirit of Love Abides. We thank you God for continuing to “Move Us Forward.”