History

Nardin Park Methodist Episcopal Church was formed in 1927 by the union of two large churches in northwest Detroit - the Grand River Avenue Church (at Grand River and McGraw) and the Ninde Church (at Visger and 28th Streets). Immediately they became a congregation of 3,000 members! A new building was erected in 1928 at 5151 W. Chicago Avenue and the church was renamed "Nardin Park." The name was taken from the park and the subdivision where the church was located.

The decision to relocate and to build a new building was made in the early 60s. Twenty acres were purchased in Farmington Township, with ground breaking in 1963. The Nardin Park congregation met at East Junior High School on Middlebelt Road until the new building at 29887 W. 11 Mile Road was ready in September of 1965.

The former building was sold to the Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1963. Each year the Confirmation Class takes a trip to see the beautifully maintained former home of this congregation.

In 1972 a building addition provided more Sunday School rooms, a Youth room, Parlor, Choir room, an expanded Fellowship Hall and Kitchen, a Stage and a Scout Room. In 1989 another addition included an elevator, a Children's Worship Center, a Multi-Purpose Room, Chapel, Music Complex, Courtyard, Office Space, and Offices for the Samaritan Counseling Center.

Tracking the history of a congregation is easier to do through concrete and visible benchmarks such as building accomplishments, membership numbers and pastoral years of service. While as important as these may be, it is the intangible benchmarks that have a more lasting effect on the DNA of a congregation, such as the lives that have been impacted by the grace of God through the people and ministries of this church, and the difference the church makes within the community it is located. It is our prayer that every brick of our building is equally matched by an act of grace within this world we live.

Enthusiastic and capable senior pastors have served Nardin Park: 

George L. Nuckolls, 1926 - 1931

Clarence E. Hoon, 1932 - 1934

Marshall R. Reed, 1934 - 1948

Verner S. Mumbulo, 1948 - 1961

John Adams, 1961 - 1963

Dr. William C. Mercer, 1963 -1980 

Dr. William A. Ritter, 1980 - 1993 

Rev. Richard A. Peacock, 1993 - 1997 

Rev. Benjamin Bohnsack, 1997 - 2006 

Dr. Dale M. Miller, 2006 - present