Today we’d like to introduce you to Maurice Gardner.
Maurice, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Ivy Lane Missionary Baptist Church was founded in February 1984 by the late Reverend R. G. Thomas and faithfully served the Ivy Lane and Oak Cliff community for decades. Like many historic congregations, Ivy Lane experienced a sharp decline during the COVID-19 pandemic. With an aging membership and limited digital presence, the church struggled to recover in the years that followed.
In July 2023, Reverend Thomas approached Maurice D. Gardner and asked him to pray about stepping into pastoral leadership. After a season of prayer and discernment, Pastor Gardner accepted the call. On September 17, 2023, leadership was formally transitioned, marking a new chapter in the life of the church.
At the time of the transition, Ivy Lane had only four active members. Despite limited resources, the church immediately committed itself to serving the community. Within 60 days, Ivy Lane launched its primary outreach initiative, Harvest of Hope, providing 50 full Thanksgiving meals to local families in November 2023. That December, the church also distributed toys to 50 underserved families.
Since then, Ivy Lane has grown to approximately 20 members and has reestablished itself as a consistent presence of service and compassion. Harvest of Hope now operates as a monthly food and clothing pantry, and its Thanksgiving outreach has expanded to more than 100 meals annually. The church’s Joyful Blessings Toy Drive, now partnered with Toys for Tots, served over 250 children this past year. Ivy Lane also hosts an annual Easter Eggstravaganza and launched a Back-to-School Backpack Drive in 2025.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In 2025, Ivy Lane faced a significant setback. It was discovered that years earlier, the church had been taken advantage of by contractors who collected more than $50,000 for promised renovations that were never completed. After assuming leadership, Pastor Gardner worked tirelessly—often personally funding repairs—to make the building usable for worship. Restrooms, a kitchenette, and the pastor’s office were renovated, but major structural issues such as the roof and foundation could not be addressed.
In August 2025, a neighboring property accidentally severed the church’s power line. During the process to restore service, the city determined that the building could not meet occupancy requirements due to unresolved structural issues. As a result, Ivy Lane was forced to temporarily relocate worship services to a neighboring church that graciously opened its doors.
Even so, ministry has not stopped. Ivy Lane continues to host its monthly Harvest of Hope pantry at its original location, with Pastor Gardner personally supplying power via a generator to ensure services to the community continue uninterrupted.
Today, Ivy Lane Missionary Baptist Church is actively seeking grants and community support to restore its historic building. While the challenges are real, the commitment remains firm. This church exists because the community needs it—and giving up has never been an option.use to give up.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
In addition to serving as full-time pastor of Ivy Lane Missionary Baptist Church, I am employed by Infinite Computer Solutions, a contractor for the global fintech company Fiserv. In my role as ATM Helpdesk Manager, I oversee ATM monitoring and troubleshooting for major financial partners, including PNC Bank, Citizens Bank, and Huntington National Bank. This work has strengthened my leadership, problem-solving skills, and ability to operate with precision in high-responsibility environments.
I am also a small business owner, working as a photographer, graphic designer, and web developer. Through this work, I help individuals, churches, and organizations tell their stories visually by building websites, designing logos, and creating branded media that reflects purpose and professionalism. My most recent work was for the South District of The AME Church rebranding and building their website.
What truly sets me apart is resilience. I believe deeply that with God on my side, all things are possible. I carry a “can-do” mindset—if something can be done, I will find a way. I won’t quit until I figure it out no matter how long it takes..
I am especially proud of my military service, which instilled in me discipline, teamwork, and a strong work ethic. I am equally proud of my upbringing in the small rural town of Madison, Florida, where my grandmother taught us that “Good work don’t go unpaid—God always repays.” Those lessons continue to shape how I lead, serve, and persevere today.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
First and foremost, God. Without him none of this would be possible. After God, my wife, Darlene Gardner, is my biggest cheerleader, and loudest voice in the room when I am preaching. She has encouraged me every step of the way especially when times became difficult. She pushes me to be better in every aspect of life.
I could not do ministry without the support of the Ivy Lane Board of Trustees. Demetria Anderson, Lavon Caldwell, Charlotte Stanford have been instrumental in helping to guide the progressive nature of the Ivy Lane church.
My mentors in ministry helped to lay the groundwork for me as a minister equpping me for the role. Pastor Benjamin Adams of the St. John Primitive Baptist Church in Clearwater, FL provided instrumental teaching and leadership to me enabling me to excel in this season of pastoring. My fellow laborers in ministry have been sounding blocks and listening posts to my ideas and helping me navigate the Dallas landscape as I am not a native.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ivylanechurch.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivylanechurch
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ivylanechurch
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@IvyLaneBaptistChurch
Image Credits
All rights belong to Ivy Lane Church
