ABOUT US
CHURCH HISTORY
Pastor Wilson
Pastor Walker
Pastor Sain, II
The church’s journey began in 1946, when a group of missionary workers organized a mission led by Reverend B.J. Murray, with Brother Sampson Dorsey as the devotional leader and Sister Mary F. Myler as the teacher. On November 25, 1946, Oakland Baptist Church was founded at Beaubien and Bethune Avenues.
By 1947, due to health issues, Reverend Murray resigned, recommending Reverend William Wilson as the new pastor. With Pastor Wilson at the helm, the church grew spiritually and numerically, eventually affording to pay him a salary of $15.00 per week—a significant milestone in the church’s early history.
In 1948, Pastor Wilson had a vision to build a house for God on Harper Street. On June 28, 1948, the church purchased property at 317 Harper Street for $3,500.00. A converted five-car garage became Oakland’s first official church building, and by November 5, 1949, the church moved from the Mason Funeral Home into this new space.
In 1986, Oakland welcomed God’s newly called leader in the person of Pastor Walker. Under his leadership, Oakland continued its spiritual and physical growth. Through its active affiliations, Oakland continued to support MEDCCE and Carver Camp, allowing members to grow as students, teachers and mentors to young people.
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Pastor Walker was called home in 2018. God kept Oakland through the leaders and members who remained. Worship didn’t cease, those in need still received help and the Word continued to go forth. By 2021,
Pastor Sain was God’s choice to serve as Shepherd. Since his arrival, he has led the congregation in canvasing the community through door-to-door evangelism and conducted outdoor worship services. Pastor Sain strengthened Oakland’s partnership with the Crystal Lake District and encouraged the congregation to become more active participants at the State and National Levels. Pastor Sain has preached at the Midwest Layman’s Workshop in Iowa, the National Baptist Convention in Tennessee and more. Through his guidance and with the help of the Trustee Ministry, many important updates and refurbishing efforts were completed, both internal and external, to Oakland’s place of worship, since his arrival. He is also a participant with the Council of Baptist Pastors Round Table Discussions.
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MISSION AND VISION
As Oakland Avenue Missionary Baptist Church continues to grow, our core principles remain unchanged:
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Obedience to Godly Leadership
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Speaking the Word of God
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Ministering to the Saved and Unsaved
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Glorifying God through Jesus Christ
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Praising His Holy Name
Through these pillars, the church remains committed to advancing God’s Kingdom. We strive to glorify God in all that we do, continuing to lead souls to Christ and fulfilling the purpose for which He called us.
OUR PASTOR
Rev. Eddie J. Sain, II, was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. He is the youngest of two siblings and was born to Eddie Sain, Sr., and Gwendolyn Sain.
He answered the call of God on his life to preach the gospel and on June 16, 2002, was licensed under the tutelage of his late grandfather, Pastor Solomon Sain, and was ordained in June 2006. He has dedicated his life to preaching, teaching, praising, and worshiping God. He was educated in the Detroit Public School system and is a proud graduate of Cass Technical High School. He attended Tennessee State University and furthered his religious education at the Tennessee School of Religion. From there he received his Bachelor (2004) and his Master of Theology (2005).
On September 20, 2003, Pastor Sain married the love of his life and best friend, LaQuanda Wilson Sain, and to this union, they are blessed with three(3) children, Eddie III (Tre), and twins Laila and Ethan.
Pastor Sain led the Garden of Faith Missionary Baptist Church for twelve years. He previously served as the Director of Christian Education for the Metropolitan Baptist District Association and was a teacher for the Metropolitan District Congress of Christian Education (MEDCCE). He also served as the Youth Pastor of the Greater New Light MBC and Youth Advisor for the Eastern Progressive Baptist District Association.
It was in January of 2021, when the Lord elevated him to lead the Oakland Avenue Missionary Baptist Church in Spiritual Growth and Kingdom Building agendas. Under his leadership, our membership has grown, ministries have been reestablished, and our building and sanctuary have been renovated. Pastor Sain currently serves as the Congress Dean for the Crystal Lake District and also serves as the 3rd Vice President of the Congress of Christian Education for the Wolverine Baptist State Convention of Michigan.
Staying focused on his mission, Pastor Sain lives by and proclaims the words of Luke, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he hath anointed me to preach the gospel…”
Luke 4:18