The Ark of Deliverance Church was incorporated in 1962 from the residence of then Evangelist Robert T Jones and Sister Erma Jones. A truck, tent, trailer, organ, piano,platform, 450 chairs , sound and electrical heating equipment was purchased for the work of the Lord. With 84.00 cash on hand and a debt of $900.00, this Ark of Deliverance began to launch out in the deep in the name of The Lord.
It was under the tent in 1963 in city of Pontiac, in the midst of a mighty outpouring of the spirit of God, that Evangelist Jones was first inspired of the Lord to Pastor. However, He continued to seek the Lord and to preach and teach the word of God in churches, halls and under the tent as usual. Summer vacation time was spent conducting Tent Revivals.
The inspiration to Pastor became a reality on Jan 26, 1966 when worship service were held for the first time in the Ark of Deliverance Church located at 4750 McGraw at Warren. Membership was very small at the beginning, it included Pastor Jones wife Erma, two daughters: Leanna and Bobbie, Brother and Sister Joseph Bell and Family, and Elder and Sister McTaw and family, Sister Leyton and her daughter, and Sister Mary Melvin.
In December of 1966, it was time to renew the lease on the McGraw Street Property. So be it, our lease was lost on the building and would not be renewed. On December 27th 1966, a special meeting was called with the board of directors and it was agreed by all board members to purchase the property at 5440 Tireman Street. So it was, the Ark of Deliverance Church congregated in this place in February 1967, for the first worship service. Since that humble beginning in 1962, we have seen God work many wonderful miracles and answer many prayers. Today, we can praise God for His manifold blessings toward us.
The building fund drive began in February 1978. Since that time, God has blessed us to aquire the four lots surrounding the church. When you look around the sanctuary, you will see the handy work of God, and the skillful labor of this congregation. In bible days, the walls of Jerusalem was rebuilt under the leadership of Nehemiah because the people had a mind to work. So it was in our situation, because the people had a mind to work in this place, we were able to accomplish each of our remodeling goals of renovating the sanctuary, Fellowship Hall, Sunday School Rooms, paving and fencing of the parking lot, and purchasing a new 1999 van. In February 2016, Senior Pastor Robert T. Jones was called from labor, to reward. Several years before his departure,Pastor Robert T. Jones appointed Elder Stephanie Jones as Senior Pastor of the Ark of Deliverance.
As we continue in the Lord, let us continue in prayer and fasting , for the saving of lost souls. Let us earnestly contend for the faith, which was once delivered to the saints. Let us strive to enter in at the straight gate.
May the mighty presence of the Lord forever dwell within these sacred walls. May this sanctuary forever be filled with the souls of men seeking the face of Jesus Christ our Lord. May Christ be found always, abiding within this place. May the healing power of God continue to flow freely among his people. May the peace of God rest, rule and abide in this place henceforth, now and forever is our prayer, Amen.
"According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundastion, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon."
