MT Lebanon Strathmoor Church

1980-Present
While both were attending Detroit Bible College (now William Tyndale College) in the late 70's, Pastor Joseph White (pastor of Mt. Lebanon Tabernacle) met and became friends with pastor William Garfield (pastor of Strathmoor Judson Memorial Baptist Church). In 1979 Pastor Garfield approached Pastor White about merging their two churches. In 1980 after extensive talks and prayer the tw

o churches merged with the blessing and support of their respective members. Mt. Lebanon moved from their building at Livernois & Chalfonte to 14400 Puritan. A new church board was formed from members of both congregatons. Pastor Garfield and his wife Bertha stayed for a short time of transition while making plans to retire to Florida. Pastor Ounanian (Pastor O) becomes the church's first Asst Pastor. Shortly after the merge, members were called upon to respond to the needs of Detroit Baptist Temple, whose building was destroyed by fire. In 2001, Pastor White is thinking of retirement. The Elder board at the time calls on Pastor O to become the Interim Pastor. Sadly during this time of transition, Pastor White is taken ill and passes away in July 2001. On Sunday March 28, 2004 the congregation votes to accept Pastor O as the next pastor and on May 16 is his installation service.