As a Presiding Bishop whose earlier service had spanned a history of many social and cultural changes, Ford emphasized a return to the historic foundations or, as he described "The Old Landmark" of early COGIC practices and traditions. He criticized the high church liturgy, vestments, and modernity that many congregations had adopted since his early years with COGIC. He worked to remind members of the sacrifices of the pioneers of COGIC. He reopened Saints Academy and College in Lexington, Mississippi, which had financial difficulties and closed in the early 1970s after the death of its influential leader, Arenia Conella Mallory. He also constructed the new multimillion-dollar Deborah Mason Patterson Hall at the campus.