In 1979, East Ward Missionary Baptist Church was organized under the leadership of the late Reverend Dr. David L. Bond. Our first worship service was held December 23, 1979 at Public School 57, on East 115th Street, in the borough of Manhattan, which served as our temporary worship site for six and a half months. During that time, Reverend Bond sought diligently for a permanent place to worship.  In June 1980, a building located on First Avenue, was brought to his attention.  Renovations began and within thirty days, the building was ready for occupancy by the Saints.  On Sunday, July 13, 1980, we marched from our temporary location on East 115th Street to 2011 First Avenue for a great praise and rejoicing service. After many years of dedicated service and faithful leadership, the Organizer of The East Ward Missionary Baptist Church, Reverend Dr.      David L. Bond was called from labor to reward on March 15, 1993. 

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Following our organizer's exodus, The East Ward Missionary Baptist Church was blessed to march onward to victory, as the Reverend Dr. Sean P. Gardner Sr., picked up the mantle of leadership and was installed on September 11, 1993 as the second Pastor of The East Ward Missionary Baptist Church.  The Installation Service was on December 5, 1993.  Reverend Dr. Sean P. Gardner, Sr. is an individual who possesses a warm, strong, and friendly personality. He is a person that is always willing to give unconditional support to those in need. He is a man who is fair and has a touch of humor. However, most importantly, he is a God-fearing man. Since Dr. Gardner became Pastor, more than 500 new Disciples have joined our church family and the spiritual level of the church is ever increasing. Souls are being saved and filled with the Holy Ghost.  We praise God because one of the very first major accomplishments at the beginning of Dr. Gardner's leadership was burning the mortgage on the property in the mid-1990's. 

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Additionally, under Dr. Gardner's leadership, numerous ministries have been implemented such as  Ordained Deacons, Consecrated Deaconesses, Missionaries and Mothers, Mother’s Ministry, licensed Ministers and Evangelists, Ordained Minister, appointed Walking and Jr. Deacons and Trustees. Also, six choirs were established such as for the Sanctuary, Gospel Choir, SPG Youth Chorale, 8:00am Torin Mayfield Choir, Male Chorus and Echoes.  Annually, honor is given on Men & Women’s Day, Consecration & Installation Services for the Officers and Leaders of the church as God has called His people to move forward.

As the spirit always leads Dr. Gardner, goals were accomplished such as, the purchase of two brand-new fifteen passenger vans which were paid off in two year as well as a forty-nine passenger Motor Coach Bus.  As for building projects, church space was developed by building offices on the lower level with Conference Rooms, Trustee Room, Ushers Room, Deacons and Christian Education Offices which also formed Trustee and Deacon Ministry Level One Managers.  The entire lower level in the church was renovated including the Fellowship Hall, a Balcony, Audio Room/Ministry and IT. 

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As of the year 2020, our history has proven that the Lord has shown East Ward great favor. During the past forty-one years of this establishment, there has been tremendous spiritual and physical growth.  It has been amazing to see the Lord do what some said, "could not be done”!  We give thanks to God and for all the Saints, past and present, who have labored unceasingly to make this church what it is today. We can honestly say, by faith we have come this far and by keeping faith in God and confidence in leadership, we shall reach higher heights in Kingdom building.

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Teaching Saints, Training Leaders, Transforming Lives.