"We've Come This Far By Faith"

In May 1954, twenty-one dreamers met in the home of Mrs. Gertrude Banks with one common purpose and desire – to materialize their dream of establishing a church where they could secure spiritual nourishment for their souls in harmony and love. Calling themselves the “Pathfinders" and electing Mr.Irving Shirley as chairman; his wife, Mrs. Daisy Shirley as secretary; Allan R. Meadows, treasurer; Ms.Eva Brown, chaplain and Mr.Irving W. Gray as financial chairman, they set out to enlist others who felt the growing urge for a real opportunity to serve their maker through services to their fellowman.

From this beginning, the response was rapid and encouraging. After the membership reached the 300 mark, and realizing the need for a good “Shepherd”, they sought and secured the leadership of Rev. Carlyle Fielding Stewart. Thus, People’s Community Church was born.

Progress, both spiritually and financially, was unbelievably overwhelming. After a month of holding services in a Baptist Church on Joy Road near Clairmount, it became necessary to seek a larger church. In October of 1954, Rev. Stewart and approximately 600 members rented the building on the northwest corner of 14^th and Marquette from Rev. T. S. Boone, Pastor of the King Solomon Baptist Church. Resolving that the next move would be permanent and into the church of their dreams, a “Building Fund Drive” was started and Mr. Wilbourne A. Kelley accepted the leadership and diligently applied himself to the tremendous task. By March of 1955 the membership had amassed some $85,000 as a down payment on the First Baptist Church building, which we now occupy.

This beautiful structure of limestone and modern Gothic design was originally dedicated in May of 1910. It became the edifice of People’s Community Church on April 7, 1957.

The sanctuary, with balcony, seats approximately 800 persons and the capacity can be extended to 1200 when the chapel and the classrooms are opened. The dining room, known as the Gertrude Banks Social Hall and the well equipped kitchen provide a warm and friendly atmosphere for “teas”, banquets and other church activities. One of the greatest attributes of the building is the Baptistery which is built of marble and artistically decorated with Mosaic Tile craftsmanship. One of the greatest assets is the sweet-toned Koeler organ (the second best in the city), consisting of three manuals with an echo organ at the rear under the tower that houses a set of chimes.

With the Rev. Carlyle Stewart in the pulpit and Mrs. Alice Stewart at the organ (reminding us to never forget from whence we came), Sunday morning services brought a rapid and continuous flow of new members into our fellowship.

In 1959, Rev. Carlyle Stewart secured the services of his nephew, Rev. Darneau V. Stewart as assistant Pastor; and in 1964 Eleanor Woodstock, Director of Christian Education and Percy Moore, Minister of Education were added to the staff.

People’s continued to progress using as their motto: tithing, loving, serving, praying, singing, and teaching church. In addition to the regular organizations and programs of the church, special activities were added for the benefit of the membership. These included a Radio Ministry (WCHB), currently WGPR 107.5 FM, People’s Community Church Credit Union, the Department of Christian Education, a licensed full-time Day Care- Nursery School, a newsletter (the Spokesman) currently called For God’s People, a Bowling League and many others programs.

On April 5, 1965 (eight years from the date of purchase) the final payment on the church property was made, and on July 11, 1965 the mortgage burning ceremony was held. People’s Community Church was our home.

November 3, 1966 was a very sad day for People’s Community Church. Our beloved Pastor, Rev. Carlyle Fielding Stewart graduated to the larger life. In his memory, chimes were purchased by the members and installed in the belfry to play each day at Noon, 6:00 p.m. and at 12:15 p.m. on Sunday.

On January 1, 1967, the Rev. Darneau Vincent Stewart was installed as the Senior Pastor of People’s Community Church. Assisting with the ministerial duties were: Rev. Joseph E. Lloyd, Assistant Pastor – 1968 – 1973; the Rev. Martin E. Bolton, Assistant Pastor – 1977-1982; Percy L. Moore, Minister of Christian Education 1964- 1982; and the Rev. Hezekiah Ford, Assistant to the Ministers, 1975-1982.

Under the leadership of  Rev. Stewart, People’s began to expand. Six properties were purchased at 50, 60, and 70 Pingree Street; 81 Blaine, 8627 Woodward Avenue and a church parsonage on Fairfield. The building at 8627 Woodward was renovated to provide modern facilities for offices, classrooms, and activity rooms for use by the church members and the Day Care School. The building was dedicated on December 5, 1971, and the indebtedness liquidated on October 7, 1979. The other buildings were demolished to allow additional parking for our members.

On Sunday morning, December 6, 1981 our beloved Pastor collapsed in the pulpit and four days later, without regaining consciousness, Rev. Darneau Vincent Stewart passed away in the Henry Ford Hospital.

The Rev Martin E. Bolton was elected and installed as Senior Pastor on October 31, 1982. He was the youngest and first non-methodist minister to hold this position.

In 1983 Dr. Eleanor J. Woodstock, Minister of Christian Education, and the Rev. Edward Vernon, Assistant to the Minister, were appointed to assist Rev. Bolton with ministerial duties. On June 6, 1986, the Rev. Yvette M. Tisdale was officially installed as the first woman, Assistant Minister of People’s Community Church.

Under the leadership of Rev. Bolton, the church continued to grow in membership. The church purchased a Deep Water Well in Ethiopia, Africa and began an annual Christmas Project in 1983 sponsored by the Social Services Ministry. In the first year, the ministry provided 100 families with Christmas dinners and 362 children with basic clothing.

In January, 1990, the Inner Faith Ministry (rotating shelter) was the beginning of the Annual Outreach Ministry. A ministry designed to provide shelter and meals for the homeless during the winter months. Many Men, Women and Children continue to seek the shelter from the cold and find refuge in the Church.

In 1991, Ms. Margaret Coleman joined the People’s Community Church Ministerial staff as our Minister of Social Services. This is an outreach ministry designed to serve the church as well as the community. Assistance is provided to those in need of clothing and perhaps a hot meal served at the church. Request for help are answered daily, through agency referrals as well other programs available throughout City Social Service Programs.

In October, 1993, Rev. Patricia J. Gordon joined our ministerial staff and was officially installed as the Assistant Minister of People’s Community Church on March 11, 1995. And, in February, 1999 – 2004, Ms. Mary Louise Beamon joined the ministerial staff as Minister of Christian Education.

Other noted achievements and honorable mentions of the church include the Pilgrimage to the Holy Land by approximately forty People’s Community Church parishioners in March 1996. The ground breaking in 2001 to install an elevator for the three levels of the church, the lower level, Gertrude Banks Social Hall, the main level, Church Sanctuary and the upper level balcony was completed and operational in 2002.

This year 2004, marks a very special and exciting time in the history of People’s Community Church as we celebrate fifty years as a church family. We are exceedingly grateful and extremely thankful that God has seen fit to continue to Bless our Church, because we have indeed "COME THIS FAR BY FAITH."