Our Pastor
Mario Duane Ford was born on September 6 th , 1979, in Madison County, Alabama. He was raised by his mother the late Mrs. Constance J. Ford, grandmother the late Mrs. Ethel Mae Ford, and godparents the late Elder John B. and the late Arcie Townsend.
Elder Ford is married to the former Eranika Natasha Wray; they are the proud parents of Sydnee and Orlando.
He received his pre-collegiate education in the Huntsville School System; he furthered his education in studies at Andersonville Baptist Seminary, Calhoun Community College, and Huntsville Bible College. He has received four earned degrees: Bachelor of Theology (2008), Master of Theology (2010), Doctor of Ministry (2013) and Master of Ministry (2018).
Dr. Ford confessed hope in Christ in March of 1992 and was baptized at the Taylor’s Chapel Primitive Baptist Church under the pastorate of the Elder James Lane; under whom he also accepted his call into the Gospel Ministry in November of 1992.
Moving at God’s command, he left the Taylor’s Chapel Church family and united with the Saint Bartley Primitive Baptist Church under the pastorate of the late Elder Dr. William T. Gladys, where he was ordained as an Elder in October of 1996.
During this time, in addition to serving as associated minister of Saint Bartley, he became active in the Indian Creek Primitive Baptist Association Youth Congress where he served as Chaplin, Parliamentarian, and President. Through God’s grace, under his administration, the Youth Congress blossomed establishing the Brian K. Williams Scholarship Fund as well as the Indian Creek Praise and Worship Youth Choir.
Elder Ford was elected to the pastorate of the Saint Minor Primitive Baptist Church in Guntersville, Alabama in June of 2001; formerly, pastored by his colleague and counselor the late Elder Lawrence Childress.
During this same year tragedy stuck the life of Elder Ford while he attended the National Primitive Baptist Convention; a life-threatening accident sought to prematurely end his ministry however, God intervened and would not let it be so!
Dr. Ford made a complete recovery and resumed duties as Pastor of Saint Minor Primitive Baptist Church.
Under his Pastorate the Church strived daily for higher heights and deeper depths in Christ; the membership continued to grow through the addition of new members, establishment of ministries and the devolvement of the saints.
In addition to serving as Pastor of Saint Minor, Elder Ford has served as vice-chairman of the Indian Creek Primitive Baptist Association Evangelistic Board, as well as the Assistant Dean of the Indian Creek Primitive Baptist Association Educational Board.
Elder Ford is a man of social consciousness, which is evidenced in his contributions to civic and religious causes; in 2012 he was awarded a Key to the City of Guntersville, Alabama for his efforts there.
The Lord favored Dr. Ford to have a life changing experience in Havana, Cuba in 2018 while on a mission trip; there he was blessed to preach the word at Baracoa United Methodist Church and witness a spiritual awakening among the Cuban people which quickened his own spirit.
On Wednesday, August 7 th , 2019, Elder Ford was elected the 4 th Pastor of the Douglas Tabernacle Primitive Baptist Church in Huntsville, Alabama succeeding his lifetime friend and mentor Elder Robert L. Rogers, Sr.
A few months into Elder Ford’s pastorate of Douglas Tabernacle the global pandemic of Covid-19 brought significant challenges to the work of ministry; challenges which, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, were conquered.
Durning this critical time Elder Ford led the Church in two capital improvements, the establishment of new ministries, and an unprecedented increase in membership which continues to this day.
In addition to his duties at Douglas Tabernacle, Dr. Ford is a highly sought after speaker; President of the Greater Huntsville Interdenominational Fellowship; Vice-Moderator of the Indian Creek Primitive Baptist Association; General Secretary of the Tri-State Primitive Baptist Convention, and a member of the National Primitive Baptist Convention, U.S.A.
Elder Ford’s aim is neither fortune nor fame; rather, to serve this present age, his calling
to fulfill.