The First Missionary Baptist Church was organized in 1951 by the late Reverend Burrell Sharp, along with nine other devoted members who initially held meetings in their homes. Located at 19127 Burr Avenue in Brownstown Charter Township, FMBC has faithfully served the community for an impressive 72 years.

Brownstown Historical Society conducted a research project on the history of our faith-based centers. We went back to the earliest township records, which encompassed the villages of Flat Rock, Gibraltar, Woodhaven, Rockwood, and a portion of Monguagon. The results: First Missionary Baptist Church is believed to be the first and only African American Church to have existed in Brownstown Township.

In July 2024 the Brownstown Township Board of Trustees recognized the significant role the church played in the historical timeline of African American churches in Brownstown. The church’s legacy was marked by the presentation of a proclamation, which has been entered into the permanent records of the township expressing acknowledgment and appreciation for the pivotal role played by First Missionary Baptist Church in shaping our community.

Today the church is under the continued leadership of Reverend Randolph Maurice Thomas who, since 2019, has continued to carry the torch, preserving and expanding the vision set by the original organizers of First Missionary Baptist Church.

“Historically speaking, First Missionary is an African American Church,” Pastor Thomas said. “However, we have grown into a more multicultural setting. Our congregation consists of a diverse set of people from many ethnicities and cultural backgrounds. We all come together as one as there’s One Lord, One Faith, and One Mission. In Christ there are no distinctions based on nationality or ethnicity – we are all united as one. Embrace the truth that’s in Him, we find unity and equality as Christians.”

If community service is something that interests you, then you’ll be happy to hear that the church offers a variety of outreach programs to help our community. They aid in everything from helping the homeless to purchasing school supplies for our young learners.

Sunday morning worship begins at 11 a.m. in the welcoming sanctuary. All are always welcome to attend. Additional information about the church can be found at www.fmbcbrownstown.com. Services are streamed live on Facebook @fmbcbrownstown and on YouTube @1stMissionTV365.


The Brownstown Historical Society was established in 1993 to promote education by historical study as well as collect, preserve and exhibit historical materials showing the history of our community. Brownstown Historical Society restored the Martin/DuChene farmhouse as the Brownstown Historical Museum. This farmhouse/museum now serves the township as a center for historical activities in Brownstown. Located at 23451 King Road, Brownstown, MI, the museum is open once per month (the second Saturday of each month) from 1:00-4:00 p.m.