Our History

The Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance (IMA) of Greater Dallas and Vicinity has a distinguished history of leadership, service, and unity within the Dallas community and beyond. Founded in 1936 by Dr. E.C. Estell, Sr., the newly appointed pastor of St. John Missionary Baptist Church, the IMA has been a cornerstone of spiritual leadership and social change for nearly 90 years. Dr. Estell's vision was to create an organization that promoted unity among various denominational leaders, working together to strengthen the African American community. Under his guidance, the IMA expanded its influence, encouraging support for civil rights and broader social justice initiatives throughout Texas.

Dr. Estell served as the IMA's first president until his death in 1964, and was succeeded by Dr. S.M. Wright, Sr., who led the organization through a pivotal period in American history, addressing critical social and political issues, including urban race riots and civil unrest. Dr. Wright's leadership helped Dallas avoid the level of civil disturbance seen in other major cities during the 1960s, advocating for non-violence and peaceful protest in the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In the wake of Dr. King's assassination in 1968, Dr. Wright and other IMA leaders hosted a tribute service that emphasized peace and unity, earning praise from The Dallas Morning News for their constructive leadership in the community.

In 1995, following Dr. Wright's passing, Dr. Stephen C. Nash, Sr., assumed the presidency, continuing the work of his predecessors and introducing the PAC-LOC (Pastors and Churches Leading Our Communities) program, focusing on political, economic, and social empowerment, as well as youth development. Under his stewardship, the IMA solidified its role as the political voice of the African American religious community in Dallas, sponsoring scholarships for deserving students and fostering leadership among its members.

In 2018, Dr. Nash stepped down due to health reasons, and Dr. David E. Wilson, Pastor of Greater Cornerstone Baptist Church, was elected as the new president. Dr. Wilson has committed to maintaining the IMA's foundational values—unity, social justice, political and economic empowerment, and youth development—through significant events such as the Martin Luther King Jr. Observance, the IMA Human Relations Banquet, and the Good Friday Service. Under his leadership, the IMA continues to be a driving force for social justice, equity, and the advancement of African Americans in the Dallas area, while also engaging the next generation of leaders in activism and community engagement.