The building was not the conventional church building. Lacking pews and adequate heat system, the people used chairs from the old Admiral Theater along with a wood burning stove to keep warm. During Jordans days at the Marcus Street location the church was met with much opposition from a community who made it obvious that they didn’t want a church in their neighborhood. After much prayer by Rev. C
lifford Tucker, be acquainted with the Cusmano Family who owned a fruit market purchased the Marcus Street property. The proceeds from the sale of the Marcus Street property along with the assistance of Bro. Watts, who was in real estate, the members of Jordan were able to move to 702 Drexel. The Pastor, Deacons, along with a few members from East Lake Missionary Baptist Church were the organizing body for Jordan Missionary Baptist Church. The churches official body consisted of Rev. Gadson, Rev. Chavis. Under the dynamic leadership of Rev. Clifford Tucker, many improvements were made to the Drexel Street property. Knight did all the carpentry Work; Mr. Van did all the electrical and the carpet was donated by Bro. Jordan and Sis. Martha Ferguson. Rev. Clifford Tuckers love of people reached beyond the boundaries of the congregation of Jordan and touched the people of the community as well. Tuckers commitment within the community was evident through his involvement with many neighborhood organizations. His professional and personal involvement with the Jefferson – Chalmers Citizen’s District Council was instrumental in securing Jordan as a welcomed and stable force in the community. It was the dream of Rev. Tucker to build a new church, however before his dream would become a reality, he was called from labor to reward on March 18, 1986. Prior to his death we praise God that with a few modifications and expansion ideas Rev. Tuckers vision for a new church were coming to past. On November 8 1986 during a memorial dinner held in honor of our founder, Rev. Clifford Tucker the architectural firm of McElroy and Associates presented the blue prints and renderings to the congregation. We thank God that during our time of prayer, hope and healing Rev. Walter Chapman served as the interim minister for Jordan while the congregation reviewed resumes of potential pastoral candidates. The Lord heard our prayer and we were ushered into a new era of ministry. On November 23, 1986, Rev. Isiah McCray of the St. James Missionary Baptist Church, Detroit, Michigan was selected to be Jordan’s new pastor. Isiah hit the ground running keeping the vision of Rev. Tucker for a new church alive. Through the faith and commitment Rev. Isiah McCray and the membership of Jordan on April 10, 1988 held groundbreaking ceremony at the corner of Newport and Freud streets. Pastor McCray, Chairman of the trustee board John McDaniel, Deacon Cecil Burks Chairman of Deacons along with members and friends celebrated this wonderful occasion. In 1989 the Jordan Missionary Baptist Church moved into our current location of 703 Newport Street. What a day it was! Under the leadership of Rev. Isiah McCray and countless sacrifice of our members that on Sunday, December 15, 1996, the mortgage burning ceremony was held. That’s right in just 7 years. On September 27, 1998, the church laid the cornerstone. To God be the glory! During the Pastoral Administration the church continued to grow and increase its ministry outreach. In 1995 we begin serving Thanksgiving Day Dinners for families in need. Beginning in 1999 Jordan began it food distribution program. Through this program more than 90 families were provided food by weekly. Pastor Isiah McCray was very instrumental in youth involvement and scholarship programs for any member desiring to further their education. On December 31, 2010, after 24 years of faithful service, Rev. Isiah McCray retired as Senior Pastor of Jordan Missionary Baptist Church. His son Bishop Lenard G. McCray, Sr. was named as his successor. Lenard McCray had served his father and Jordan in the compacity of Assistant Pastor from 2005 to 2010 when he was elected to serve as Senior Pastor. Lenard G. was installed as Jordan Missionary Baptist Churches 3rd Senior Pastor on January 23, 2011. Bishop Lenard G. McCray picked up the torch from his father and continue to follow in the rich tradition of community outreach. Serving and fostering involvement in the Jefferson – Chalmers Community, continuing providing food to families in need, providing and overseeing disaster relief efforts for the affected by storms in the Jefferson – Chalmers area and reaching as far as East English Village. Through the Administration of Bishop Lenard McCray Jordan has stood as a light and beacon of hope working with DWSD, The Detroit Police Commission, Block Clubs, District 4 City Council. Having a strong gift and passion for education, Bishop Lenard McCray was very instrumental in moving Jordan Forward in strong biblical foundation and educational classes. Bishop Lenard McCray laid a strong foundation for leading our church into the future by way of technology. Through him we saw the design and implementation of our website, digital giving, social media presence and you tube presence. Bishop McCray led Jordan through dark days during. It was his leadership that sustained Jordan through the COVID 19 Pandemic. We lost so many of our Jordan family during this time that had a strong effect on our church. It was his courage, faith and determination that encouraged us that the best was still yet to come, and God was not done with Jordan. After Serving Jordan for a total of 16 years 11 as Senior Pastor on Sunday, September 26, 2022, in the year of our Lord, Our beloved Bishop Lenard G. announced during our churches 55th year anniversary celebration that it was his desire to retire from his Senior Pastoral duties here at Jordan Missionary Baptist Church and during this time of Introduction of our guest preacher informed the congregation that after much prayer it was his sincere desire that, Rev. Michael D. Berry, Sr. would be named as his successor. From October 1, 2022, until December 1, 2022, Rev. served as our Executive Pastor. On Sunday December 4, 2022, at the request of Bishop Lenard G. Berry assumed full responsibilities as Senior Pastor of our church. On Sunday, February 19, 2023, at 2:16pm during a special called church meeting Rev. was unanimously elected as the 4th Senior Pastor of Jordan Missionary Baptist. On Sunday, April 30, 2023, Rev. was installed as the 4th Senior Pastor of Jordan Missionary Baptist Church. Under the pastoral leadership of Pastor Berry, we have experienced congregational numerical growth, undergone building enhancements, reinstating of Sunday School, New Members Class and in person bible class. We have also seen a strong focus in community outreach. We have adopted the Carlson at Remous Robinson K-8 School, On Saturday, September 2, 2024, Jordan hosted our first annual Hope at the River Day. During this massive community outreach effort more than 300 backpacks were given away with school supplies, Community Family Style Picnic, Mobile Health and Dental Screenings with vaccines. Through the ministry of Rev. we have seen the coming together of ministry and marketplace coming together. Hope at the River Day drew and fostered relationships with the business, health and educational communities. As Pastor says, Our future is bright and the best is yet to come.
